A year ago, with the Chargers not interested in a proposal for a new stadium in Mission Valley, the NFL sought a stadium project the team could enthusiastically support.

On Saturday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell traveled to San Diego at the invitation of Chargers chairman Dean Spanos to attend a rally of about 4,000 fans. Goodell was there to support the start of a signature-gathering effort for a citizens' initiative effort to build a $1.8 billion stadium and convention center expansion downtown, next to the Padres' Petco Park.