NFL in L.A.? Not so fast

After a two-hour meeting in New York with billionaire Los Angeles developer Ed Roski this week, the NFL is starting to sound more bullish on a stadium in City of Industry.

Roski says he can build one for $800 million, about half the cost of venues being constructed for the New York Giants and Jets, and Dallas Cowboys. Commissioner Roger Goodell participated in the meeting, and the league called Roski’s proposal an “interesting possibility” and said the permitting and construction processes “seem to be more defined than other sites we’ve seen.”

Roski’s plan could wind up being the one that brings the NFL back to the nation’s No. 2 television market. But before you start lining up for tickets, consider these comments culled from The Times over the past 13 years concerning NFL concepts that ultimately fizzled:

“We would not be spending $10 million if we did not think there was a real prospect here that these projects, one or both of them, could become a reality.” -- Former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in May, 2006, referring to concepts at the Coliseum and in Anaheim.

“We are one step closer, two or three steps closer, you can characterize it however you want. Whether it’s 2009, 2010, or 2000-whatever, our goal. . . . is to have definitive agreements on all the key subject matters done well in advance of our league meetings.” -- Tagliabue in November, 2005.

“The ball is moving forward. Everybody sees it, everybody wants it to happen.” -- Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, a member of the L.A. stadium working group, in May, 2005.

“We have three really viable alternatives. There are three concrete alternatives, each of which is intriguing in its own right.” -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in May, 2005, referring to the Coliseum, Rose Bowl and Carson proposals.

“Timing is everything. Someday, the NFL might want a second team in L.A., and might look back at Carson.” -- Carson Mayor Jim Dear in May, 2005.

“Our interest in the Rose Bowl as a possible home for an NFL team and for future Super Bowls is as strong, if not stronger, as when we began seriously discussing the concept more than two years ago.” -- Tagliabue in June, 2003

“I’m really excited about bringing the NFL back to Los Angeles. The plan you outlined represents the best chance we have to do that.” -- Jim Hahn, then L.A.’s mayor, on the downtown stadium project in May, 2002.

“The league has been very encouraging. I’m interested in football in Los Angeles, and my goal is to be helpful in bringing it back.” -- Michael Ovitz in February, 1999.

“It’s in my selfish best interests to have the National Football League trademark in Los Angeles, a beautiful city that I both admire and respect. And I, as one owner, have pledged in my own mind and publicly now to do everything I possibly can to assist in having a team in Los Angeles.” -- Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson in April, 1999.

“This could very well be the solution we’re looking for in Los Angeles, especially with the parking plan and the new recreation possibilities the park concept brings to the community . . . We would love to play in a stadium like that.” -- Carmen Policy, former Cleveland Browns president, on Ovitz’s Coliseum concept in May, 1999.

“They’re very much interested in this project, before anything else in Greater Los Angeles. A year ago, they didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, they didn’t see any ‘there’ there at the Coliseum. Now, they say, ‘We’re interested in the Coliseum if you do this, this and this.’ ” -- Developer Steve Soboroff, then a senior advisor to Mayor Richard Riordan, in September, 1996.

“I can see it . . . I thought about marking the field with white lines and putting the goal posts right here.” -- Peter O’Malley, then Dodgers owner, talking in December, 1995, about building an NFL stadium at Chavez Ravine.

“We do have a proposed term sheet from the bank for financing. We’re pretty close. There are just a few little items to be worked out.” -- R.D. Hubbard on a Hollywood Park stadium in January, 1995.

And finally, then-city councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas: “It’s time to get this deal done. Everybody’s wearing thin, I think.”

That was nine years ago.

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sam.farmer@latimes.com