NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he ‘absolutely’ would want his own child to play football

NEW ORLEANS – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he “absolutely” would want his own child to play football.

After President Barack Obama said he’d “have to think long and hard” about allowing a son to take part in the sport, Goodell was asked the same question hours before Sunday’s Super Bowl during an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

Like the president, Goodell has two daughters. The commissioner deflected the question about allowing a son to play football by noting the high incidence of concussions in girls soccer.

Goodell declined to confirm that there is a proven connection between the sport and medical problems in retired players. He emphasized that the NFL is funding research to learn more about the risks.