As '14 was dominated by off-field headlines in the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell called it a "learning year," noting fans "expect a lot from us, and we have to deliver on it," according to Mike Freeman of BLEACHER REPORT. Goodell said, "We stress that in our organization all the time, about learning and getting better. That's a focus that we always have. ... I continue to see the game get better, get stronger, get safer. We're protecting our players from unnecessary injuries. We like the way we're integrating technology into the game." Goodell's handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence situation "was a case of epic fail." But Goodell "isn't evil," and he "isn't an angel." Freeman: "He's a commissioner. And despite his portrayal at times as a comic book villain, there remains his most important quality: his resilience." As popular as the league "was when Goodell first became a part of it decades ago, and as popular as it had become a decade ago when he was named commissioner, it's gotten even more so. Insanely so." Goodell said of whether the league has ever been held to a higher standard than now, "No, I haven't. But that is what I meant when I said people hold the NFL to a higher standard. Yes, maybe that has a negative when you don't hit that bar. But we embrace that. We don't want to have it any other way. People expect a lot from us, and we have to deliver on it." Goodell: "I think the way we engage our fans and the passion of our fans. Every one of our metrics is up again this year as far as fan engagement is concerned. More and more people are watching, whether it's on television or on alternative devices and platforms. And we're delivering on that experience."
DON'T LOOK BACK IN ANGER: Goodell said of whether there was something he wishes he could have done better in '14, "Sure. You always do that." Meanwhile, Freeman wrote the "one thing Goodell has to do now: communicate better with the union. Repair that relationship." As the commissioner "puts the Year From Hell behind him," there also is a "new Goodell." He is a man "who has changed for the better." Freeman: "This is where the resilient Goodell comes in. As the new year begins, I think we will see a comeback Goodell" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 12/30). Meanwhile, SI’s Richard Deitch looks at the most fascinating personalities for '15 with ESPN's Jay Bilas, Cari Champion, Bob Ley, Keith Olbermann and Trey Wingo and CBS Sports Network's Amy Trask listing Goodell as the one they are watching. Bilas said Goodell is "the driving force/lightning rod in this turbulent and interesting time for the NFL, and for sport in this country" (SI.com, 12/28).
