text: Roger S. Goodell ( born February 19 , 1959 ) is the Commissioner of the National Football League ( NFL ) , having been chosen to succeed the retiring Paul Tagliabue on August 8 , 2006 .
simplified: Roger Goodell ( born February 19 , 1959 ) is the current commissioner of the National Football League . He has held this post since August 8 , 2006 when he took over duties for the retiring Paul Tagliabue .