Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, who "played a key role" in
negotiating the NFL's eight-year, $17.6B TV contract --
which the owners can reopen after five years -- has "emerged
as the most powerful man" in the league "in less than five
years," according to Vito Stellino of FOOTBALL DIGEST, who
lists the league's "Power Brokers." Stellino calls NFL
Finance Committee Chair Kraft "one of the smoothest
operators in the league," but says "the final outcome" of
his quest for a new stadium will determine if he remains at
the top of the list. After Kraft, Stellino ranks NFLPA Exec
Dir Gene Upshaw as No. 2, as Upshaw has "made it clear to
the owners that the price for ... [labor] peace is to keep
the current salary cap structure intact." No. 3 is Cowboys
Owner Jerry Jones, "the best salesman in the league;" No. 4
is Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen; No. 5 is Steelers President Dan
Rooney, the "voice of reason"; No. 6 is Panthers Owner Jerry
Richardson and No. 7 is NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who
may be the "perfect commissioner for this era, when the
owners want to be the ones running the show." Agent Leigh
Steinberg, Packers GM Ron Wolf and Dolphins coach Jimmy
Johnson round out the top ten (FOOTBALL DIGEST, 11/98).
FACILITY RANK: In a sidebar, Joe Frisaro lists the five
best and worst stadiums in the NFL. No. 1 is Lambeau Field,
which Frisaro calls "priceless;" No. 2 is Texas Stadium and
No. 3 is Ericsson Stadium. The "stinker of all stinkers" is
Foxboro Stadium, as Frisaro writes, "Subway stations have
more charm" (FOOTBALL DIGEST, 11/98 issue).
