The highest-ranking NFL official appears to be shifting his position on the use of the R-word.

In a letter to members of Congress in June, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the Washington football team's mascot, saying it stood for "strength, courage, pride and respect." But on a radio program on Wednesday, he said the organization should pay attention to tribes and tribal activists who object to the use of the racial slur in sports.

“I think what we have to do though is we have to listen,” Goodell said on 106.7 The Fan, CBSDC reported. “If one person is offended, we have to listen.”

However, Goodell said the final decision lies with Dan Snyder, the owner of the team, who has said he will "never" stop using the R-word.

Get the Story:
Roger Goodell on Redskins Name: ‘If One Person is Offended, We Have to Listen’ (CBSDC 9/11)
Goodell on Redskins nickname: ‘If we are offending one person, we need to be listening’ (AP 9/11)
Will Controversial Sports Team Names Be Gone in Five Years? (Adweek 9/11)

Related Stories:
Oneida Nation council member backs protest against R-word (9/11)
Tribal members in Wisconsin to protest R-word at next game (9/10)
History: R-word took on negative connotations in late 1800s (9/10)