Updated: November 10, 2025
In the wake of heartbreaking news yesterday, the sports world is mourning the loss of Paul Tagliabue, the visionary NFL commissioner who steered the league through an era of explosive growth and stability from 1989 to 2006. Paul passed away on November 9, 2025, at 84 from heart failure, leaving behind a legacy etched in Super Bowls, labor peace, and billions in revenue. But amid the tributes pouring in from Roger Goodell to lifelong fans, one figure stands quietly at the center: his wife of nearly 60 years, Chandler Tagliabue.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Who is Paul Tagliabue’s wife?”—or more poignantly now, how she’s coping—this post dives into her story. Chandler, affectionately known as “Chan,” was Paul’s rock, confidante, and partner in every sense. Let’s remember her warmth and grace, especially as the NFL family rallies around her.
Table of Contents
Chandler’s Early Years: From Georgia Roots to a Washington Romance
Born Chandler Minter in Milledgeville, Georgia, Chan grew up in the heart of the South, where Southern charm meets unyielding determination. She graduated from the Women’s College of Georgia in 1964 with degrees in history and French—a nod to her love for languages and storytelling that would later shape her life. Picture a bright-eyed young woman, fluent in French and full of dreams, stepping into the bustling scene of Washington, D.C.
It was there, in 1965, that fate intervened. Fresh out of NYU Law School, Paul Tagliabue—tall, ambitious, and already eyeing a career in sports law—crossed paths with Chan at a social event. Their wedding on August 28, 1965, in D.C. wasn’t just a union; it was the start of a powerhouse duo. As Paul climbed the ranks at the NFL’s front office, Chan balanced family life with her own pursuits, earning a master’s degree while raising their kids. It’s the kind of love story that feels straight out of a classic novel—simple, enduring, and full of quiet adventures.
Standing Strong: Life as the NFL Commissioner’s Partner
When Paul ascended to NFL commissioner in 1989, the spotlight intensified, but Chan handled it with the poise of a pro. For 17 years, she was the unsung hero behind the scenes, hosting league events, charming owners, and keeping the family grounded amid the chaos of expansions, TV deals, and that infamous 1993 labor strike resolution.
- Event Maven: Chan organized memorable galas, like the NFL Honors where she and Paul posed arm-in-arm in 2020, radiating timeless elegance.
- Advocate for Balance: She quietly pushed for family-friendly policies in the league, influencing Paul’s focus on player welfare.
- Crisis Navigator: Through scandals and successes, like the 1994 Super Bowl’s star-studded halftime show, Chan was Paul’s sounding board—always calm, always wise.
Fans adored her low-key vibe; she wasn’t chasing headlines but building bridges. As Paul once quipped in a rare interview, “Chan keeps me human.” Their partnership turned the NFL into a family business, proving that behind every great commissioner was an even greater woman.
Passions Beyond the Gridiron: Chan’s Philanthropy and Interests
Chan’s life wasn’t all football Sundays—she poured her heart into causes that mattered. A dedicated philanthropist, she championed education and women’s rights, drawing from her Georgia roots and global travels with Paul.
Here’s a glimpse of her impactful work:
- Education Advocate: As a URI board member, she supported literacy programs, believing “stories connect us all.”
- Arts Enthusiast: Fluent in French, she volunteered with cultural exchanges, hosting D.C. events that blended Southern hospitality with international flair.
- Health and Wellness: Post-retirement, Chan focused on Parkinson’s research—ironic and poignant, given Paul’s later battle with the disease.
Her giving wasn’t flashy; it was genuine, like quiet donations to Georgia scholarships or mentoring young women in sports admin. In a league often criticized for its intensity, Chan reminded everyone of the human side.
A Loving Family at the Core: Raising Drew and Emily
At home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Chan and Paul’s world revolved around their two children: son Drew (Andrew) and daughter Emily. They instilled values of resilience and kindness, lessons that echo in Drew’s finance career and Emily’s creative pursuits.
- Family Traditions: Summers in Georgia, teaching the kids Southern cooking and storytelling around the firepit.
- Holiday Magic: Chan’s famous Thanksgiving feasts, where NFL talk took a backseat to laughter.
- Grandparent Joy: In recent years, she delighted in spoiling grandkids, sharing tales of Paul’s early law days.
Even as Paul’s health waned, Chan’s devotion shone—caring for him with the same tenderness that defined their marriage. Now, with his passing, she’s surrounded by Drew, Emily, and a network of friends who’ve become family.
Conclusion: Chan’s Enduring Light in Football’s Hall of Fame
As tributes flood in for Paul Tagliabue— from Goodell’s heartfelt statement to fans reminiscing about the ’90s boom—Chandler Tagliabue emerges as the steady heartbeat of it all. Her life, woven with love, service, and subtle strength, shows that true legacies are built together. In this moment of grief, let’s celebrate Chan: the Georgia girl who captured a commissioner’s heart and held it for six decades.
If Paul’s story inspires ambition, Chan’s teaches grace. Our thoughts are with her, Drew, Emily, and the Tagliabue family. What’s your favorite Paul era memory? Share below—we’d love to hear. Rest in peace, Paul; and Chan, you’re in our hearts.