New England

Goodell on Patriots in Super Bowl LII: ‘It's a Tremendous Accomplishment'

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke glowingly about the New England Patriots at his annual news conference ahead of the Super Bowl in Minneapolis on Wednesday. 

Goodell opened the news conference by thanking the Vikings organization and Minneapolis for hosting the Super Bowl.

The commissioner then recognized the Eagles and Patriots, the teams in Super Bowl Lll.

"Congratulations also to the Patriots organization. Robert and Jonathan Kraft, Coach Belichick, and their wonderful players. The Patriots are making their tenth Super Bowl appearance and looking for their third championship in just the past four seasons. It's a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the success of the organization," Goodell said.

Goodell was asked whether the Patriots recent domination in a league looking for parity is a good thing.

"What I think it does say is the incredible achievement the Patriots as a team and as an organization have achieved. It's really remarkable that they're going for their third Super Bowl in four years in this kind of a system, where keeping that group together, changing whatever they need to change, whether it's players or coaches, they do that in a way it still creates success. I marvel at that. I think other teams marvel at that, I think fans marvel at that."

Goodell is a controversial figure in New England for his role in Deflategate and Spygate controversies. 

His address on the state of the NFL comes amid a season full of controversy, ranging from players protesting during the national anthem, boosting diversity among NFL staff ranks and growing concerns regarding concussions and brain damage.

The Patriots face the Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

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