Roger Goodell, the influential Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL), has been a major figure in professional sports for decades. However, behind this powerful sports executive is a strong and accomplished woman—Jane Skinner. While she may not be as publicly visible as her husband, Jane has had an impressive career of her own and plays a significant role in their family’s life.
In this article, we will explore everything about Jane Skinner, including her background, career, family life, and her role as the wife of the NFL commissioner.
Wiki Bio: Roger Goodell Wife
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane Skinner |
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1967 |
| Age | 57 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Northwestern University (Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees) |
| Profession | Former Journalist, News Anchor, Documentary Producer |
| Famous For | Being the wife of Roger Goodell, Former Fox News Anchor |
| Father | Samuel K. Skinner (Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation & White House Chief of Staff) |
| Mother | Susan Ann Thomas |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Roger Goodell (NFL Commissioner) |
| Year of Marriage | 1997 |
| Children | Twin Daughters (Born 2001) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 – $5 million |
| Current Residence | New York, USA |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Philanthropy |
| Known For | Maintaining a low profile despite her husband’s high-profile career |
Table of Contents
Who is Jane Skinner?
Early Life & Family Background
Jane Skinner was born on February 12, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. She comes from a well-established family with a background in politics and public service.
- Father: Samuel K. Skinner – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.
- Mother: Susan Ann Thomas.
- Education: Jane attended Northwestern University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Her upbringing in a politically engaged household gave her a strong sense of public service and responsibility, which later reflected in her career.
Jane Skinner’s Career in Journalism
Before stepping into the role of Roger Goodell’s wife, Jane Skinner built a successful career as a journalist and television news anchor.
Fox News Anchor
Jane was widely known for her time at Fox News, where she worked as an anchor and co-host.
- She was the host of “Fox News Live” and later co-anchored the daytime news segment.
- Regularly appeared on the Fox Report with Shepard Smith as a key contributor.
- Reported on major national and international news stories, earning her a reputation as a respected journalist.
Other Media Roles
Before joining Fox News, Jane also worked at several other news stations, including:
- WNBC-TV (New York)
- WITI-TV (Milwaukee)
- KMSP-TV (Minneapolis)
Her reporting and anchoring skills helped her gain a strong following, making her a well-respected figure in journalism.
Marriage to Roger Goodell
Jane Skinner married Roger Goodell in 1997, making their union over 25 years strong. Their relationship has remained private yet supportive, with Jane balancing her career while being the wife of one of the most powerful men in sports.
How They Met
Though the details of how they met are not widely publicized, it is believed that their paths crossed in the 1990s, when both were establishing themselves in their respective careers.
Their Family Life
Jane and Roger have twin daughters, born in 2001. Despite Goodell’s demanding role as NFL Commissioner, he has often emphasized the importance of family. Jane, after years in broadcasting, decided to step away from television in 2010 to focus on raising their children.
Jane Skinner’s Life After Journalism
Why Did Jane Skinner Retire from Fox News?
In June 2010, Jane shocked many fans and colleagues when she announced her retirement from Fox News.
- She cited personal reasons, stating that she wanted to dedicate more time to her family and children.
- Jane expressed that the demanding schedule of news broadcasting was becoming difficult to balance with her responsibilities as a mother.
- At the time of her departure, her husband Roger Goodell was already the NFL Commissioner, meaning their family life required more privacy and stability.
What is She Doing Now?
Since retiring from journalism, Jane Skinner has:
- Focused on family life, ensuring a stable environment for their daughters.
- Remained involved in charity and philanthropic activities, though she keeps her work low-profile.
- Worked on producing documentaries, including the NFL-related documentary “A Lifetime of Sundays”, which highlighted the stories of female football team owners.
The Challenges of Being Roger Goodell’s Wife
Handling Public Scrutiny
Roger Goodell is often in the public spotlight, facing criticism over NFL policies, disciplinary actions, and league controversies. As his wife, Jane has had to navigate:
- Negative media attention during scandals such as the NFL player protests, domestic violence cases, and deflategate.
- Social media backlash, where fans and critics express strong opinions about Goodell’s leadership.
- The challenge of maintaining privacy, as the Goodell family does not frequently share personal details with the public.
Jane Skinner’s Support for Roger Goodell
Despite the challenges, Jane has been a pillar of strength for Roger Goodell. She has:
- Defended him privately while avoiding public conflicts.
- Maintained a dignified presence and stayed away from controversy.
- Provided a strong family foundation, allowing Goodell to focus on his role as Commissioner.
Lesser-Known Facts About Jane Skinner
- She Once Had a Secret Twitter Account: In 2017, it was revealed that Jane Skinner had been running a private Twitter account under a fake name to defend Roger Goodell from online criticism.
- She Produced an NFL Documentary: In 2019, Jane helped produce “A Lifetime of Sundays,” a documentary celebrating women team owners in the NFL.
- She Keeps a Low Profile: Unlike many high-profile spouses, Jane avoids the Hollywood or celebrity lifestyle, preferring privacy.
Conclusion
Jane Skinner is more than just Roger Goodell’s wife—she is an accomplished journalist, a devoted mother, and a supportive partner. From her career as a respected news anchor to her role in NFL storytelling, Jane has lived a fascinating life.
Despite being married to one of the most powerful and controversial figures in sports, she has successfully maintained her independence, privacy, and dignity. While she may not be in the public eye as much as before, her influence on both Roger Goodell’s career and their family remains undeniable.
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