Joe Lockhart is stepping down as chief spokesman of the NFL. Lockhart had served as the NFL’s executive vice president of communications and public affairs.

Lockhart told members of his staff he is stepping aside after the Super Bowl to spend more time with his family, do political commentary and perhaps teach.

While Lockhart is being forced out, his exit comes after another tumultuous 2017 NFL season in which Roger Goodell's extension was delayed by Jerry Jones, and Donald Trump feuded publicly with the league.

“He was brought in as an agent of change,” said one person familiar with the league’s inner workings. “He has a young family. I don’t think he was prepared to commit four or five more years to doing this.”