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Roger Goodell's potential successor is leaving the NFL

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 6:53 PM ET

One of Roger Goodell’s most prominent potential successors is leaving the NFL for a new job.

NFL media chief Brian Rolapp, viewed by many as Goodell’s most likely successor, is leaving the NFL after 22 years. He will take a new position as CEO of the PGA Tour, according to multiple reports.

Goodell confirmed in a memo that Rolapp will be departing to “pursue other opportunities.”

Here’s the memo from Roger Goodell on Brian Rolapp. It doesn’t explicitly say he’s leaving for the PGA Tour, but sources expect Rolapp to take the CEO job, as @SBJ reported earlier this week pic.twitter.com/MDBJqWcylW
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) June 12, 2025

Rolapp is well-regarded in NFL circles and joins the PGA at a critical time. He will be the organization’s first CEO and tasked with overseeing business growth as negotiations with LIV over a possible merger continue.

While Goodell has never had a clear successor, Rolapp was viewed as one of the most likely, as he was essentially the league’s No. 2 executive. Goodell is currently signed on as commissioner until 2027, and has already blown through one self-imposed retirement date. Perhaps Rolapp simply was not prepared to wait until 2027 and beyond to get his shot and decided to look for opportunities elsewhere.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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