Reports: Brian Rolapp leaving NFL to become PGA Tour’s CEO

NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp is headed for a new role as the CEO for the PGA Tour, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.
According to reports, Rolapp decided to depart his role after working 22 years with NFL. The hiring at the PGA Tour has not been confirmed, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly messaged team execs Thursday informing them of Rolapp’s decision.
Rolapp will take charge of PGA Tour Enterprises, the circuit’s newly created for-profit outfit, The Athletic reported.
The PGA Tour has been seeking a CEO to work alongside commissioner Jay Monahan since December. A few notable names have been linked with the position, including NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps.
Rolapp stands as a natural fit, as he has been NFL’s lead media and business officer during a period of exponential growth by the league. He is considered a potential successor for Goodell, and a new role as a CEO at a different pro sports endeavor likely wouldn’t change that.
Rolapp has been in his current role overseeing advertising, sponsorships and media contracts since 2017. Before then, he was the NFL COO and senior VP of media strategy and digital media. He also was the CEO of NFL Network and executive VP of NFL Media.
The PGA Tour has a committee that has been in search of the next CEO. It includes Monahan, PGA Tour player directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, among others.
Monahan, whom Rolapp would report to, replaced Tim Finchem as commissioner of the PGA Tour in January 2017, becoming the fourth person to serve in that role.