NFL Power 40+

SI's NFL staff recently assembled the most powerful people in the game today. Here is the list broken down by category.

League Office

Roger Goodell, 51, NFL commissioner

His four years in office have been marked by emphasis on player discipline; now faces biggest challenge in looming labor conflict.

Jeffrey Pash, 54, NFL executive VP of labor and general counsel

Tagliabue protégé and onetime commissioner candidate is lead negotiator for owners.

Bob Batterman, 68, lawyer

Management-side labor lawyer who represented NHL in 2004-05 lockout is advising Goodell, Pash.

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Players Association

DeMaurice Smith, 46, NFLPA executive director

Former D.C. prosecutor and trial lawyer won election as dark horse in 2009; not nearly as chummy with league office as predecessor, Gene Upshaw.

Jeffrey Kessler, 56, NFLPA counsel

Veteran labor-side lawyer -- he litigated ­McNeil v. NFL, which led to establishment of free agency -- is Pash's chief adversary.

Kevin Mawae, 39, NFLPA president

Former NFL lineman is strong voice on financial and health-care issues, though influence in negotiations remains to be seen.

Owners

Jerry Jones, 68, Cowboys

High-profile face of America's most valuable sports franchise.

Bob Kraft, 69, Patriots

Only owner who's on the broadcast, labor and finance committees.

Jerry Richardson, 74, Panthers

Former Colts receiver cochairs labor committee; hard-liner.

Bob McNair, 73, Texans

Billionaire who made his fortune in energy business; has the ear of fellow owners.

Tom Benson, 83, Saints

Granddaughter Rita has strong say in team issues; Tom chairs NFL finance committee

Clark Hunt, 45, Chiefs

Rising star settling into role as influential dad Lamar's heir

Dan Snyder, 44, Redskins

Lightning-rod owner whose relationship with DeMaurice Smith could help in negotiating CBA.

Dan Rooney, 78, Steelers

Team's emeritus chairman, now U.S. ambassador to Ireland, remains close adviser to Goodell.

Jeffrey Laurie, 59, Eagles

Former Hollywood producer chairs L.A. stadium committee; arbiter of NFL's return to second-largest market.

Steve Bisciotti, 50, Ravens

Among young owners, league office most admires him and K.C.'s Hunt.

Woody Johnson, 63, Jets

Has pushed his franchise to forefront in nation's biggest, rowdiest market.

Ed Roski, 72

Southern California real estate mogul has land, stadium plan for L.A. franchise -- but no team.