Story highlights
So-called Rooney Rule requires NFL teams to interview a diverse group of candidates
The rule will expand to women for all executive positions, NFL chief says
Roger Goodell announces the move at first NFL Women's Summit in San Francisco
The NFL’s push for diversity is growing.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday at the first NFL Women’s Summit that the so-called Rooney Rule will expand to women for all executive positions.
The rule – named after Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney – requires that NFL teams interview a diverse group of candidates. For example, teams are required to interview a minority candidate whenever there is a head coach opening.
“We’re going to make that commitment, and we’re going to formalize that we as a league are going to do that for women as well as in all of our executive positions,” Goodell said.
Goodell kicked off the two-day event in San Francisco with references to his twin 14-year-old daughters and 11 nieces.
Condoleezza Rice gave Thursday’s keynote address. Thursday’s session also featured female sports leaders of past and present, including tennis legend Billie Jean King; champion pro golfer Annika Sorenstam; Sarah Thomas, the first female NFL official; and Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL.
The summit sought to bring together prominent leaders from sports, government, media and other fields to support the future success of young women personally and professionally.
Friday’s keynote speaker is Serena Williams. Others participating include Jane Goodell, wife of the NFL commissioner; ABC’s Robin Roberts; and ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza. The summit concludes Friday.