Grubman's last day will be in the coming weeks, and his responsibilities will be parsed out to other execsGETTY IMAGES
NFL Exec VP/Business Ventures ERIC GRUBMAN is leaving the league after 14 years. Long a lightning rod because he oversaw areas like the NFL’s efforts to return L.A. and unsuccessful stadium pushes in St. Louis, San Diego and Oakland that led to relocations, Grubman said he told Commissioner ROGER GOODELL six weeks ago that he would leave. Grubman’s departure has long been rumored over the years, in part because he is independently wealthy after an earlier stint as a Goldman Sachs partner, and the projects he oversaw were delicate. Goodell commonly calls it a privilege to work for the NFL, but Grubman disagreed. “People mistakenly use the description 'it’s a privilege to work at the NFL,' I don't think of it as a privilege, I do think though I have been lucky I have been fortunate,” Grubman said. “I could have worked at the post office my whole life, and it’s (a) pretty cool thing.” Asked if he had any regrets over his 14 years, Grubman paused and replied, “No, no. No, I have had great relationships with most of the owners, I have had great relationships with (former Commissioner) PAUL (TAGLIABUE), and with Roger, and a lot of highs and lot of lows. The things I have control over I don't have any regrets.” Asked why he chose this moment in time to leave, Grubman replied, “It’s just time, I am restless and it's time.” Grubman expects his last day to be in the coming weeks. All of Grubman’s responsibilities will be parsed out to other executives, he said. COO MARY ANN TURCKE will take sports gambling, though Grubman said NFL Exec VP/Int'l MARK WALLER will also take a big role in the space.
