Dave Portnoy says he and Roger Goodell are 'civil' after Super Bowl ban
Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 8:24 pm

In a recent interview, Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, revealed that his relationship with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a turn for the better. After being banned from attending Super Bowl events, Portnoy stated that the two are now "civil" following the league's decision to lift the ban. This development comes as a surprise to many, given the publicized feud between Portnoy and the NFL. The ban, which was initially imposed due to Portnoy's criticism of the league, had been a topic of discussion among sports fans and media outlets.
Portnoy's comments suggest that the two parties have put their differences aside, and a sense of normalcy has been restored. The lifting of the ban is seen as a significant step towards mending the relationship between Portnoy and the NFL. It is worth noting that Portnoy's presence at Super Bowl events is likely to generate significant attention, given his large following and influence in the sports media landscape. The fact that the NFL has chosen to lift the ban may indicate a desire to appeal to a younger demographic, which is often associated with Portnoy's brand.
The dynamics between Portnoy and Goodell have been closely watched by sports fans and media pundits alike. The two have had a complicated history, with Portnoy being an outspoken critic of the NFL's policies and decisions. However, with the ban now lifted, it appears that both parties are willing to move forward in a positive direction. Portnoy's statement that he and Goodell are "civil" suggests a sense of mutual respect, which could potentially lead to more collaborative efforts between Barstool Sports and the NFL in the future. As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, the relationship between Portnoy and the NFL will be an interesting one to watch.
The NFL's decision to lift the ban on Portnoy is also likely to have implications for the league's relationship with other sports media outlets. As the sports media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, the NFL must navigate complex relationships with various stakeholders, including media personalities, outlets, and platforms. By lifting the ban on Portnoy, the NFL may be attempting to send a signal that it is open to working with a diverse range of voices and perspectives. This approach could potentially help the league to appeal to a broader audience and stay relevant in an ever-changing media environment.
In conclusion, the lifting of the ban on Dave Portnoy and his subsequent statement that he and Roger Goodell are "civil" represent a significant development in the relationship between Barstool Sports and the NFL. As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this relationship unfolds and what implications it may have for the NFL's relationships with other media outlets and personalities.
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Source: express