NEW YORK - THE National Football League, citing the economic recession, said on Tuesday it will cut some 150 jobs over the next 60 days.

'These are difficult and painful steps,' Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a memo to NFL employees.

'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. Properly managed, I am confident the NFL will emerge stronger, more efficient and poised to pursue long-term growth opportunities.'

The cuts, which will affect slightly more than 13 per cent of the NFL's 1,100-strong staff throughout the United States, should be complete shortly after Super Bowl 43 in Tampa, Florida, on Feb 1.

The league announced last month it would lower ticket prices for the upcoming postseason by some 10 per cent. -- AFP