What Roger Goodell Said at His Annual Super Bowl Press Conference

Where the game can be improved

"We have some techniques that we've seen develop through the season that we want to look at. There's a couple that we think have led to injuries, so we want to be cautious of and try to see if there's a way to remove those from the game. We still see elevated injuries, particularly concussions on special teams."

If there has been any progress in diversity of head coaching hires

"I do [see progress]. But I still feel like there is better work and more work ahead of us. I think there's progress and we're pleased to see progress. But it's never enough. We always look to see how can we do better? A number of the things we implemented last year have proven to be direct beneficiary of some of the changes that occurred. We believe diversity makes us stronger. It's about attracting the best talent and giving them the opportunity to be successful. And to me, that's at the core of what we do."

First Super Bowl with two black starting quarterbacks

"There are a variety of reasons. Probably none of them good. The reality is, there is such great talent at that position, black and white. I think we have 11 black starting quarterbacks today and I think they're some of the best leaders we've ever seen. They're extraordinary. People talk about their talent and their ability to run, but they're incredible leaders. They understand the offense. They run complex offenses. Probably more complex than we've ever run in the past. And they really add such an element to the game and I think our game has changed because of their talents. I just think it's another example of where diversity makes you better. Think about this league without those eleven great young quarterbacks. Think about the two in the Super Bowl. They make the league better."

If the injury rate will have the league reconsider a 17-game schedule

"Injuries were down 6% this year. Total injuries. We think that's an incredible positive reinforcement as some of the changes we're making both to the preseason and the offseason training. But most importantly, training camp period where we're escalating the level of intensity over a number of weeks. Also on Week 18, the injury rate is absolutely no different than any other week."

Thoughts on new way the Pro Bowl is played

"The Pro Bowl in its current state last year was not something that represented the NFL well. We made the pivot to say we're not going to play this game in the same context. When I was there on Thursday, the players were wonderful. They loved it. They were embracing it. They thought this was a great form. I loved watching it because you got to see the players personality, their faces. You got to see them compete. They love the flag game. I think we have a lot to build on there and I don't see us going back in any way. I think this is the future for us."

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