NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will enter the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at a dinner and ceremony at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
Goodell is one of six inductees in the 2026 class, according to the Yonkers Times. The Bronxville native was a multi-sport athlete and team captain at Bronxville High School before rising through the NFL's front office. He has served as commissioner since 2006.
The ceremony begins at 5 p.m., according to a post on X by the event's returning emcee.
Goodell's rise started with persistence. According to a Washington & Jefferson College alumni profile, he wrote letters to the league office and all 28 teams after graduating from W&J, seeking an internship. Many of those letters were rejected.
He landed a three-month internship in Commissioner Pete Rozelle's office just a year out of college. Except for a one-year stint with the New York Jets in 1983, Goodell has been at the league office ever since.
By 1987, he was assistant to the president of the American Football Conference. He became executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2001 before succeeding Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in 2006.
The other five inductees joining Goodell are White Plains girls' basketball coaching great Sue Adams, whose award will be presented posthumously; Harrison broadcasting producer Fred Gaudelli, a 31-time Emmy winner; Mount Vernon basketball star Ben Gordon, who was selected third overall in the 2004 NBA Draft; 42-year baseball umpire Dave Greiner; and Harrison multi-sport athlete Seth Morris.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the inductees' "accomplishments reflect the hard work, perseverance and commitment it takes to excel …"
Each honoree will receive a Hall of Fame trophy. Their names will be added to a commemorative plaque in the County Center's first-floor gallery at 198 Central Ave.
