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Sundays for the NFL are just a week away from kickoff, and a new quest for Super Bowl LXI will begin. However, a major piece of news dropped just one week before kickoff. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has signed a four-year extension through the 2030 season, according to multiple reports. Goodell has overseen a number of pivotal challenges and opportunities during his tenure that have helped drive incredible growth for the league. MORE: Roger Goodell signs new four-year extension to remain as NFL Commissioner When Goodell took over as NFL commissioner in 2006, the league had just recorded $6.49 billion in league revenue. Today, the NFL generates more than $15 billion in gross revenue annually. The league has reached those heights while navigating concussion lawsuits, a COVID-19 season and multiple collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Where does Goodell rank among American pro sports commissioners? One thing is for sure: Goodell is the highest-paid professional sports commissioner in America. His previous deal was reportedly worth an estimated $63.9 million per year. The closest commissioner in salary is MLB’s Rob Manfred, who reportedly earns $17.5 million annually. With that being said, it is difficult to argue that Goodell isn’t one of America’s most successful professional sports commissioners. He is undoubtedly a polarizing figure in the sports world. MORE: 8 best seasons by an NFL player who returned from retirement & thrived After all, it has become an annual tradition for fans to boo Goodell at the NFL Draft. The NFL owners and Goodell don’t appear too worried about it. As long as the league continues generating record revenue, they will probably encourage fans to keep doing it. Next era of Roger Goodell’s NFL is here Goodell has overseen and navigated challenges with the NFL that the MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS haven’t faced, or at least haven’t handled quite as successfully as the NFL. The NFL has dominated the broadcast market and is now helping pioneer the next generation of sports consumption: streaming. Although the NFL has faced criticism for some of its streaming endeavors, the numbers don’t lie. Sure, the NFL could eventually be forced to work around inevitable changes to sports broadcasting laws. Congress has already put together a committee to examine modern sports broadcasting. If Goodell’s accomplishments and consistent success with the NFL are any indication, the league will conquer this rising challenge, too. By the time this new deal expires, Goodell will have served as the NFL’s commissioner for 24 years. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —