NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Salary in 2013 was $35M

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made $35,017,000 in 2013, according to the NFL's tax return. ESPN got a hold of the tax form, which has to be filed to the IRS before the league's Tuesday deadline.

"The Commissioner's total compensation in 2013 is a fair reflection of his leadership and contributions during the year," said Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, the chairman of the compensation committee. "Compensation packages for Roger and other senior executives are reviewed annually; accordingly, the compensation committee will conduct a thoughtful review and make a determination of 2014 compensation in March."

During Goodell's first eight years as the commissioner, he made an average of $18.8 million per year. In the last three reported years, he made at least $20 million a year. Goodell made $44.2 million in 2012. During that calendar year, $9 million was in deferred pay. Goodell became the commissioner in 2006.

Goodell came under fire this past season for how he handled the domestic abuse case involving former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. The league was criticized for being too lenient.

The NFL is technically is non-profit trade organization and has to publicly file its returns.