Former NFL Commissioner Honored

WASHINGTON, DC, May 16, 2014  — Covington & Burling’s Paul Tagliabue was recognized by Up2Us with its Legacy Award for his commitment to helping the sports-based youth development organization get off the ground. Mr. Tagliabue helped the non-profit group based in New York secure nonprofit tax status from the IRS in 2010, and continues to support Up2Us with pro bono legal counsel.

“Today’s youth, especially those living in some of our most underserved communities, face many challenges. They live in a world that expects a lot from them but doesn’t always give them the tools and support they need to be able to make the right decisions. That’s why the work we do is so important. We are honored by the generous support we’ve received from our corporate sponsors and individual donors since establishing this movement four years ago. And while our work is not done, it is important to take time out to recognize the many people who make this all possible, people like Paul,” said Paul Caccamo, founder and president of Up2Us.

Mr. Tagliabue began his legal career at Covington in 1969 and for many years served as outside counsel to the NFL. He went on to serve as Commissioner of the NFL for 17 years, presiding over structural changes and innovative league policies that produced an extended period of labor peace and unprecedented revenue growth in professional football. After serving as NFL Commissioner, he returned to Covington and advises clients on organizational structure and governance, public policy issues, strategic risk mitigation and the management of critical unfolding crises.

The award was presented on May 14 at the Mercedes-Benz Manhattan in New York.