Roger Goodell Says He'll be at Patriots Season Opener at Gillette Stadium

FOXBOROUGH, MA — For two seasons, New England Patriots fans have chanted "where is Roger?" On the opening night of the 2017 NFL season, the answer will be Foxborough.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told the media Tuesday night that he will attend the Patriots' season opener on Sept. 7, marking the commissioner's first appearance in Foxborough since Deflategate.

"I plan to be at the kickoff game," Goodell said when asked where he would be that night.

Traditionally, the commissioner has attended the Super Bowl winner's season opener. Goodell, however, opted to skip the opener after the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX. He also remained out of Foxborough for the NFL Playoffs, choosing to attend the NFC Divisional and Championship games in Atlanta.

In February, Goodell said he would return to Foxborough if he was invited. Patriots owner Robert Kraft responded by noting that if the team won Super Bowl LI, the annual Thursday-night opener would be a good game to attend. Last season, Patriots President Jonathan Kraft said teams do not invite the commissioner to games.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin