There are plenty of NFL players who disapprove of commissioner Roger Goodell.  Many disciplinarians are often hated.

Who could’ve possibly seen this coming?  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell isn’t approved by the players?  You mean to tell me that players aren’t fully on board with a disciplinarian?  This doesn’t surprise me one bit, and to be honest, the NFL would be suffering if Roger Goodell had a high approval rating.  Sometimes, you have to be the bad guy.

In a poll conducted by USA Today Sports, Roger Goodell is disapproved by 61% of NFL players.  Now, to be clear, there were only 300 players who were polled.  However, it’s a pretty good gauge that Goodell is not widely approved by players.  What disciplinarian is widely loved?

Several New York Giants players didn’t approve of head coach Tom Coughlin when they played for him.  He was a gruff disciplinarian.  Years later, many came to the realization that he was just trying to get the best out of each of his players.  It’s similar with Roger Goodell.  He isn’t afraid to be unliked.  He isn’t afraid to suspend players for poor off-the-field conduct.  He isn't afraid to play bad cop.

The league is a stronger brand and poor conduct is dwindling since the sheriff has been handing out suspensions like candy.  Is Goodell perfect?  No, far from it.  Bountygate was a joke, but Goodell has done more good for the game than bad.  The league is thriving.  It’s more popular than it has ever been.  How in the world could Goodell be an awful, rotten, brutal commissioner if the league is actually on the uptick?

Brian Noe is the Brand Manager at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” weekdays from 1-3 pm ET on WTMM.

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