POLITICS

NFL Defends Rooney Rule After Florida AG Pushback

PUBLISHED Mar 31, 2026, 1:28 AM ET

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Phoenix — At the NFL's league meetings this week, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday he has no plans to end the 23-year-old Rooney Rule after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter last week asserting the policy violates Florida law. Goodell said the league believes the Rooney Rule is consistent with the law and will engage with Florida officials; Atlanta Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said Monday he will be intentional about promoting diversity, while the AG demanded by May 1 that the NFL stop enforcing the rule on Florida teams.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

About 23 years ago: Rooney Rule adopted to require minority candidate interviews.
Last week: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter calling the rule discriminatory.
Monday: Atlanta Falcons GM Ian Cunningham spoke at NFL meetings about pursuing diversity.
Tuesday: Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league has no plans to scrap the Rooney Rule and will engage with Florida officials.
By May 1: Florida AG demanded the NFL agree to stop enforcing the rule on Florida teams or face enforcement action.

News Intelligence

The Rooney Rule affects the diversity of NFL teams, including those in Florida. If you're a fan, this could change the face of your favorite team. If you're concerned about equal opportunity, keep an eye on the Florida AG's actions.

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Who Benefited

NFL teams and hiring committees that use structured interview processes may benefit from continued application of the Rooney Rule, which the league says helps identify diverse and qualified candidates and broadens candidate pools.

Who Impacted

If the Florida attorney general's position prevails, Florida-based teams could face legal uncertainty and minority candidates might see reduced interview opportunities or procedural changes affecting advancement.

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