The NFL really is Jerry Jones’ world and we’re all living in it, including Roger Goodell.
At least that’s what USA Today says, as the Dallas Cowboys owner topped its list of the league’s 100 most important people. Jones was one spot above Goodell, the commissioner, and at least 99 ahead of 49ers owner Jed York — who was not on the list.
Raiders owner Mark Davis is No. 32 and 49ers coach Chip Kelly is No. 52. Both are behind now-retired 49ers linebacker Chris Borland — No. 25 for “becoming the voice of concussion awareness” — and Las Vegas mogul Sheldon Adelson (No. 11), who is trying to bring football to Sin City.
Jones himself was instrumental in the NFL’s return to Los Angeles, pushing owners to agree to the Rams’ stadium deal in Inglewood rather than a Carson deal for the Raiders and San Diego Chargers.
His influence has been “long maintained among the NFL elite,” according to USA Today,” be it players, coaches or commissioner.” His Cowboys play in AT&T Stadium, or Jerry’s World as it is often called, and are valued at $3.2 billion by Forbes, second worldwide only to futbol’s Real Madrid.
USA Today’s top five were rounded out by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and player’s union executive director DeMaurice Smith.
Other Bay Area additions include Patriots QB Tom Brady, an alum of Serra High in San Mateo (10); Colts QB Andrew Luck, who came out of Stanford (14); Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who played at Cal (32); Rams QB Jared Goff, also of Cal as well as Marin Catholic (44); and Raiders legend and Pleasantive resident John Madden (77).