The NFL is planning to cut 150 jobs or 14% of their staff after this seasons Super Bowl as a result of the ongoing recession. According to the New York Times, sales of NFL merchandise have declined and new-media deals have slowed due to the economy. At the same time operating costs have risen.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a memo: “These are difficult and painful steps. But they are necessary in the current economic environment. I would like to be able to report that we are immune to the troubles around us, but we are not.”

Football fans don’t need to worry as Goodell assures “Properly managed…the N.F.L. will emerge stronger, more efficient and poised to pursue long-term growth opportunities.”

The job cuts will not affect NFL teams as they are not owned by the league. However, the cuts will affect employees working at the NFL’s New York headquarters, NFL films in New Jersey and the NFL Networks in LA.