"At last, someone came to tell me I'd been selected as commissioner, which gave rise to the line that I took the job with clean hands. I was then taken downstairs to a press conference, and the reporters were as surprised as I was"

In this quote, Pete Rozelle is explaining the minute he was informed that he had been selected as commissioner. He points out that someone pertained to tell him the news, and this caused the saying that he had taken the job with "clean hands," suggesting that he was not involved in any misbehavior or corruption. He then goes on to explain being required to an interview, where the reporters were simply as shocked as he had to do with his selection. This quote highlights the unexpected nature of Rozelle's appointment and the sense of integrity and sincerity that he gave the function.