:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49990705/83781618.0.jpg)
While the Falcons football team hasn’t been to the playoffs for the past few years, the relevance of the organization to the NFL isn’t completely lost. According to USA Today, the Falcons have two of the 100 most important people in the NFL.
Surprisingly, the list is topped not by the Commissioner, but by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (Goodell is second).
As for the Falcons, the highest ranked member of the organization is President and CEO Rich McKay. His role as chairman of the NFL Competition Committee gives him great influence over setting league rules.
The other important member of the Falcons? Owner Arthur Blank, who ranks 62nd on this list - which honestly seems a little low. With the new state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz Stadium opening next year, and the team hosting the 2019 Super Bowl, you would think Blank would rank higher than someone like Jon Gruden (#57) or Martha Ford (#54). The article did note that Blank’s foundation is widely respected for it’s work in the Atlanta community.
What are your thoughts on this top 100 list, and the rankings of McKay and Blank?