NFL: Commissioner Roger Goodell planning on football in 2020

In a recent interview, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he is planning on football in 2020.

The NFL has the spotlight all to itself beginning Thursday when they launch a virtual 2020 NFL Draft. It won’t have the glitz and glam of the Las Vegas Strip, but in these days of an absolute sports blackout, it’s a welcome respite for fans absolutely thirsty for something that is not the current news cycle.

Roger Goodell, who is too often booed at the annual draft event, has been a life raft for the football fan, and sports fan in general. In comments made to ESPN, the commissioner continues to trek towards a season of football, despite the strong headwinds that question his ambitious schedule, and the uncertainty that lies ahead.

"“We obviously put public safety as a priority one,” Goodell added. “We’ve demonstrated that when we have natural tragedies such as hurricanes that we always make sure we’re doing the right things.”"

Goodell continues to be a reasonable voice in a media landscape that is anything but. For fans, the draft is the next step on the NFL calendar. It keeps hope alive for a schedule that traditionally has football return in the late summer, and aligns for a full slate of games in the fall.

The NFL deserves a lot of credit for its ambitious and bullish game plan. With a lot to be decided in the coming months, the Commissioner is keeping all options open.

"“We’re going to do the things we need to do to make sure we’re operating safely, and that includes our fans,” Goodell said. “Everything’s on the table. We’ve got to be smart. We want to try to do what we can to continue playing football, but doing it correctly and safely.”"

With the league schedule due for release in early May, fans may get a good idea of what the league is thinking. With everything “on the table”, what comes next could be an indicator where the sports world ultimately ends up later this year.