If you don't know of this man, Roger Goodell, let me introduce him to you. He is the Commissioner aka 'The Boss' of the #1 Sport in the United States, The National Football League, the NFL.
Today marks the 76th annual NFL draft held in New York City. The draft is where all 32 teams select or "draft" the eligible players from the college ranks for the upcoming season. Commissioner Goodell is center stage for the first round. He's the one who announces to the world from his wooden podium who the team chose as their #1 pick. He then man-hugs each draftee on stage and then mugs for the camera with each prized selection holding their #1 team jersey. It is a spectacle made for TV and the fans and it is one of Commissioner Goodell's finest moments. He loves this moment! Beaming ear to ear.
Goodell, 53, was born and raised in upstate New York. His father was a US Senator(R) from New York. Young Roger graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania with a degeee in economics. He first worked for the NFL as an adminstrative intern for then Commissioner Pete Rozelle. From there, Goodell moved on and worked for a couple of pro teams in their front office. Eventually he returned to the NFL office and worked his way up the ladder. In 2006, after then Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's planned retirement, Goodell was elected by the Owners, as the next Commissioner of the National Football League. Additionally, he is married to a former FOX NEWS anchor, Jane Skinner, and proud parents of twin daughters.
For the last six years while in office, Commissioner Goodell has been tested again and again by the NFLPA (The Players Union)and has succeeded in mediating contracts amicably and settling with great aplomb and strength unsavory chapters in the recent NFL history, ie. the lockout and the New Orleans Saints 'bounty program.'
Goodell is an incredibly savy, tough and fair boss. His 32 Owners recognize his rare gifts. He earns $11 Million a year for his efforts. Suprisingly, he earns much less than Commissioner Bud Selig of MLB at $22 Million a year and Commissioner David Stern of the NBA at "no one knows for sure amount". Some would argue that he is underpaid for a sport with annual revenues of over $11 Billion. In contrast, MLB's annual revenues are $7 Billion and the NBA's annual revenues are a paltry $4 Billion. I'd say, Goodell needs an agent to carve out a better deal for himself with those kinds of numbers and owner of a very unique skill set.
So, tonite pull up a chair and watch one of the great shows on TV, the NFL Draft on ESPN or NFL Network (another brainchild of Goodell) even if you're not a football fan. For tonight is more than football. It is the dramatic presentation of 32 lucky, very gifted and ambitious individuals who many come from nothing and in a matter of a 10 minute selection process by a team who wants them become instant millionaires and a new member of Obama's targeted 1%ers.
The emotion of that moment when you're name is called as recorded backstage in the "Green Room" with players, Mommas, families, friends and the requisite ne'er do wells are visual treasures that far exceed the game of football. Talk about PURE JOY! Only in America can ability and hard work be so handsomely rewarded and shared by so many. Where's the Kleenex?
And Commissioner Goodell, captain of the ship, relishes these happy joyful moments for his sport.
Enjoy the show.
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