NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement on the passing of the 41st U.S. President George H. W. Bush on Saturday.
"President George H. W. Bush will be remembered for a lifetime of dedicated service to our country as an American hero, patriot and public servant. He will also be remembered for his kind heart and compassion for others. President Bush’s character made him remarkable well beyond his achievements.
We witnessed his integrity, humility and grace on a number of occasions, including at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans where he participated in the coin toss ceremony and helped Americans begin to heal from the tragedy of September 11. His support was instrumental in bringing two Super Bowls to his beloved Houston, where he, alongside former First Lady Barbara Bush, tossed the coin before Super Bowl LI. And, in 2016, President and Mrs. Bush joined the NFL at our Fall meeting in Houston, sharing several hours of their time to show support for football and the City of Houston.
President Bush was a true friend of the NFL and a genuine fan who understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our entire league is grateful for this extraordinary man, whose life was devoted to our country and its people and whose legacy is an America and a world filled with freedom and opportunity. He will be greatly missed.
On behalf of everyone in the NFL, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bush family."
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