Inside the NFL’s Surprising Decision to Leave a Top Executive Role Vacant Following Brian Rolapp’s Exit to PGA Tour

Brian Rolapp’s exit from the NFL leaves a giant-sized gap — but don’t expect one single figure to step in and fill those shoes. Instead, the league’s eyeing a more distributed approach, splintering his hefty portfolio across several internal execs. After dedicating over two decades to shaping the NFL’s media strategy and business ventures — including brokering massive TV deals worth north of $120 billion and steering strategic investments through 32 Equity — Rolapp’s move to become the first CEO of the PGA Tour shakes things up in a big way. Commissioner Roger Goodell has already signaled confidence that the league’s prepared, saying strategic planning has been underway to ensure a smooth transition while staying focused on long-term goals. Media mogul Hans Schroeder, chief revenue whiz Renie Anderson, and other top brass like David Jurenka and Dhruv Prasad are poised to ramp up their responsibilities, tapping into a deep well of existing talent rather than hunting for an outside replacement. The NFL’s leverage looks promising, especially with the 2029 media deal opt-out on the horizon, offering a fresh slate for renegotiation and growth. It’s a pivotal moment — a chance for those rising stars to spread their wings and for the league to recalibrate in a way that matches its massive footprint and future ambitions. LEARN MORE

The NFL did not respond to a request to comment on its plans to replace Rolapp.
Hans Schroeder is one executive who should absorb many of Rolapp’s responsibilities on the media side. He joined the NFL in 2001 and was Rolapp’s deputy as COO of NFL Media. Keeping the NFL’s media partners happy is a critical role; they provide the bulk of the 0 million-plus check each team gets from the league office annually.

The NFL has an opt-out of its media deals in 2029, and the league recognizes its leverage as the undisputed leader in drawing viewers to live broadcasts. At the last Super Bowl, Goodell told reporters that the NFL’s option to exit its current media rights contracts presents an “incredibly valuable” opportunity for the league.

The NFL will not replace longtime executive Brian Rolapp with one person, according to someone familiar with the league’s plan. Rolapp’s vast responsibilities will be divided among current NFL executives, per the source, who was granted anonymity because the details are private.

Other top executives who could shoulder greater duties include David Jurenka, who is a senior VO at NFL Media, and Dhruv Prasad, who heads 32 Equity.

“We have spent some time planning for this change and are confident we will successfully manage the responsibilities while we align our structure to meet our long-term strategic goals,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a memo to team presidents announcing Rolapp’s departure.

“I don’t expect they will fill that [Rolapp] role with any one person, not from inside, not from outside,” Marc Ganis, longtime advisor to Goodell and NFL owners, said. “The talent that is there is going to have more opportunity to spread their wings.”

Rolapp was deemed a potential successor to Goodell, although the commissioner has two more years on his current contract and is likely to sign an extension.

Last week, Rolapp was named the first CEO of the PGA Tour. He spent more than 20 years at the NFL and had been its chief media and business officer since 2017. Rolapp spearheaded the league’s media strategy, with its current agreements worth more than 0 billion over 11 years. He also oversaw the league’s sponsorship business and its investment arm, 32 Equity, which has invested in DraftKings, Fanatics, Genius Sports and NoBull.

Renie Anderson, who joined the league office in 2006, is another top lieutenant at the NFL who will take on more. She was named chief revenue officer in 2019 and oversees partnerships, sponsorships and consumer products. Anderson also handles media sales across NFL Network, NFL Digital Media and the league’s legalized sports betting business.