The Pro Football Hall of Fame awards the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award to an NFL member who has made long-term and exceptional contributions to broadcasting in professional football. In 2022, the honor went to Howard Katz—and no one was happier than Roger Goodell. He “cannot think of a more deserving recipient. Quite simply, the NFL would not be where we are today without Howard Katz.”

Fast forward to the present, NFL legend Howard Katz has decided to retire from the league. Yes, you heard it right! Katz, the NFL’s schedule mastermind for two decades, is calling it a career. Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement, and as per the reports, his retirement becomes official once this year’s schedule is finalized in May.

Since 2003, Katz has been the man behind the NFL’s scheduling puzzle. Indeed, his job wasn’t that easy. Teams and networks fight for his attention before the schedule drops, then flood him with complaints after. He’s had tough conversations with just about everyone in the league. But on Monday, it was all respect, smiles, and applause as Roger Goodell gave him his well-earned recognition.

As per the further reports, the teams’s owners assembled in Florida after Roger Goodell’s invitation. The reason was obviously to give a standing ovation to the 75-year-old NFL legend this week. And Katz is nothing but overwhelmed with the responses he is getting from the league.

“I was flabbergasted. I did not expect that, and the reaction was very emotional. To be surrounded by a group of owners — and I’m often getting yelled at by them because they don’t like things in their schedule — they gave me a standing ovation. It blew me away.” No doubt, these responses would surely have Howard Katz express his emotions and pride – all thanks to Roger Goodell and his NFL members. And of course, Katz’s hard work, which deserves such farewell.

Covid time was one of the remarkable seasons of Roger Goodell’s favorite member!

Howard Katz has spent years juggling the impossible. His job wasn’t just making schedules – it was managing chaos. More TV networks – More demands – More moving pieces than ever. Even teams weren’t on the same page, sending different people to ask for completely opposite things. Through it all, Roger Goodell’s member stuck to one principle: Be fair. Do the best job possible.

Even CBS Sports President David Berson called Katz a legend, praising his impact on the league. But for Roger Goodell’s 75YO NFL executive, nothing tops what he pulled off in 2020. The COVID season was a nightmare. Every morning, he was on calls, sorting through test results, shifting schedules, making sure the league stayed on track. And somehow, against all odds, they did it. No games were canceled. Football was played every single day of the week.

Now, after decades of being the guy everyone called (and complained to), he’s stepping away. He’s not sure what’s next. But after a lifetime of making the NFL work, he’s finally making time for himself, his family, especially his grandkids. The league, though? They’ve got a massive hole to fill. Whoever takes over will shape the future of football, one schedule at a time. Of course, the job won’t be easy, and Howard Katz will be remembered by Roger Goodell and everyone in the league!