Third Annual SBD/SBJ Reader Survey: Leagues/Teams, Football

HE’S GOOD-ELL: Roger Goodell, who was only months into his job as NFL commissioner at the time of last year’s survey, finished third to David Stern (36.6%) and Brian France (13.8%) in voting for most effective commissioner in 2006, at 13.4%. This year, he’s No. 1, bringing the NFL back to the top spot it had when Paul Tagliabue finished first in 2005 (51.4%).

SEEKING GAINS: For the third straight year, Gary Bettman and Bud Selig were 1-2 in voting for least effective commissioner, and their leagues were 1-2 in voting for least effective PR operation. Last year, Selig and MLB were the No. 1s. This year, as in 2005, it’s Bettman and the NHL.

DRAWING NOTICE?: Don Garber, voted most underrated commissioner this year, was No. 4 on that list in 2005 (11.5%) and No. 2 last year (11.6%). Last year’s top pick, Gary Bettman, finished No. 4 this year.

LOOKING AHEAD: MLS, for the third straight year, was voted the property with the most growth potential (13.7% in 2005, 14.5% last year), while WNBA was picked as property most likely to fold for the third straight year (27.6% in 2005, 24.8% last year). NHL and Champ Car repeated from last year in the No. 2 positions, respectively.

NEW ENGLAND SALUTE: Robert Kraft was voted most effective owner, and by a wide margin, for the third consecutive year. Jim Irsay, coming off the Colts’ Super Bowl season, moved up to No. 4 from No. 9 last year.

ROOM TO IMPROVE?: Al Davis, Bill Bidwill and William Clay Ford were the leading vote-getters, respectively, in balloting for least effective owner, repeating their 1, 2, 3 ranking of 2006.

THE STAR: Dallas’ classic star was picked as the best team logo, outdistancing several other historic team marks.

WHAT DOES BROWN DO FOR YOU?: Not much, apparently. The logo-free-helmeted Cleveland Browns were No. 1 in voting for team most needing a new logo. Or, is that simply a call for a logo?

LOOKING BACK: Robert Kraft got a No. 1 nod for his record of work with the Patriots over the past 10 years. It’s a decade that’s seen three Super Bowl titles and a new stadium for New England.

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS: Having a phrase like “America’s Team” associated with your franchise says a lot. The Dallas Cowboys have touted that moniker for years. Now, they also can boast of being picked No. 1 for marketing work in this year’s survey.

LOOKING AHEAD: Jerry Jones’ Cowboys will open their new, $1 billion stadium in 2009. Jones also recently was named chairman of the league’s NFL Network Committee. Voters picked Jones No. 1 among owners for expected impact in the coming years.

HE’S THE MAN: Peyton Manning repeated as most marketable player, with Tom Brady again No. 2. LaDainian Tomlinson moved up to No. 3 from No. 7 last year.

CHALLENGING TIMES: Voters picked the ongoing battle of retired players seeking compensation as the top challenge facing the league, but each of six issues got more than 10% of the total vote.