NFL’s Roger Goodell has an emotional debate over the tragic NYC headquarters shooting
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To understand, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was having an emotional debate over the tragic mass shooting at the league headquarters in New York City, which killed four people Monday night.
Goodell appeared on NBC ahead of the NFL Hall of Fame Games, which will begin the 2025 season in Canton, Ohio. Talk to Mike Tirico Goodell criticized “Seriously injured” NFL employee and “meaningless” violence.
“There is no excuse for these meaningless actions,” Goodell said. “They’re difficult for us all to understand. It hurts people you know, people you care about and people you treat on a daily basis. It’s especially difficult.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been paying attention to the NFL Super Bowl LIX football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at a press conference at the Caesars Superdome on February 3, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“But as you know, these meaningless acts of violence and hatred happen too often in our country and in our world. In schools, in churches, in synagogues, where this should not happen, we all have to stay vigilant and the NFL must continue doing it with our employees and our people.”
Goodell began to suffocate specifically as he spoke about the “lush of support” that everyone from government officials to teams and coaches have given the league during this difficult time.
But Goodell certainly noted that this would not only affect the league. That’s more than that.
“Remember, this attack is much more than some individuals. This is an attack on our humanity, this is an attack on our community, this is an attack on New York, this is an attack on our way of life,” he said. “We all need to do more, make sure we do everything to get help to those in need, and we are taking the precautions that are necessary.
Goodell was among those attending the funeral of Didalur Islam, the fallen NYPD, who died after 27-year-old Shane Tamra unleashed a barrage of bullets in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue. Tamura eventually took his own life on the 33rd floor of the building.
“The ones we see outside the building almost every day,” Goodell said, restraining her emotions. “It hits you with losses, unnecessary and unexplainable losses. It’s how all of us as New Yorkers feel great pride in the NYPD and everything they do, and in all our first responders. It was a difficult and emotional afternoon.
Regarding NFL employees injured in the shooting, Goodell said he visited with him for about an hour Thursday. He improves in the hospital and is surrounded by his loved ones.
New York Fire Station (FDNY) paramedics will respond to the scene of a shooting at 345 Park Ave., New York, USA, on Monday, July 28, 2025. Attacked 345 Park Ave. in Manhattan. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“We’re an incredible young man, so we’re optimistic about his recovery, and I think that’s good news for all of us in the NFL. “He has a young family and (I) had the opportunity to meet his siblings, his parents. I think it’s really hard for us all to understand and deal with.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed that Tamura was targeting the NFL when he appeared at the Midtown office building in Manhattan on Fox 5 NY “Good Day New York.”
Tamura is unhappy with the NFL, and is a side effect of a recurring hit on the head, suggesting the sport of football and giving him chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Adams said Tamra took the wrong elevator bank inside the building after attacking people in the lobby.
Goodell has been in touch with all league employees since Monday night, where staff members revealed they were injured in the shooting. He sent another note that all New York City-based workers should remain far away until at least next week.
It’s a time of trial for many, including everyone in the NFL, but Goodell knows that sports can sometimes serve as a soothing.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell watches before an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High on December 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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“We believe that the NFL brings people together and we’re going to continue doing that,” he said. “We are unleashed by our own efforts to guide the National Football League to our fans. That’s what our employees think is a great pride, and that’s why we’re starting the process of ensuring that people can enjoy the National Football League.
“We’re going to continue. We probably have a broken heart, but we’ll continue.”
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