FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - Tom Brady feigned ignorance when asked about Roger Goodell’s absence in Foxborough last Sunday. The NFL commissioner was a little more forthcoming during a radio appearance Wednesday, doing his best to explain why he skipped out on the AFC title game.
“I try to get to as many stadiums as I can, but you know we have two great games and you’ve got to choose, and frankly, the focus should be on the players, the coaches, and the great game,” Goodell said while talking with Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd.
As for a perceived rift with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Goodell said conflicts are part of doing business in the NFL.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if somebody wasn’t unhappy with a decision that you make or the way you’re doing it,” Goodell said. “Robert and I can disagree about things. We have a healthy respect for one another, but that’s true with any owner.”
Goodell also welcomes the possibility of handing the Lombardi Trophy, but would it be awkward for him?
“Not for a second. This is one of the great opportunities,” Goodell said. “We have two dominant teams playing in the Super Bowl.”
Goodell continued on, praising Brady and labeling him as one the best to ever grace the gridiron.
“Tom Brady is one of the all-time greats, has been for several years,” Goodell said.”He’s an extraordinary player, a great performer and a sure-fire Hall of Famer.”
Despite his decision to suspend Brady in connection with the league’s Deflategate investigation, Goodell said “it would be an honor” to crown the quarterback as a champion.
Goodell and Brady last met after the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
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