Over the decades, the NFL has soared to heights never before reached by any sport in the United States.
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You just have to look at ratings last fall when 45 of the 50 most-watched TV shows were NFL games with a reach of 202.3 million unique viewers. But that is only the tip of the iceberg.
From pop culture to social media and advertising, the game's influence is at an all-time high. So why is that? It's because of the people.
Over the last month, Monday Morning Quarterback has been counting down those key figures in the industry and ranking the 100 most influential people for the 2015 NFL season.
So far, three Giants have made the list: quarterback Eli Manning (No. 81), head coach Tom Coughlin (No. 77), and wide receiver and reigning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Odell Beckham Jr., who came in at No. 31, one spot behind 49ers CEO Jed York.
"This summer he is on a trajectory to become the most popular non-quarterback in the NFL," MMQB's Emily Kaplan wrote of Beckham.
"He is the league's most explosive playmaker, manning one of its most visible (and marketable) positions, playing in its largest media market. In 10 games as a full-time starter after Victor Cruz was injured last October, Beckham averaged 8.5 receptions, 123.3 yards and more than a touchdown per outing. He toasted all-world corner Richard Sherman in Week 10—specifically on a double-deke and dash for a 44-yard haul late in the first quarter—and was the runaway Offensive Rookie of the Year. And yes, there was The Catch.
"Almost instantly, Beckham's jersey became one of the NFL's top-selling (in May his was fifth in sales—behind four quarterbacks)."
Photos of Tom Coughlin's career as head coach of the Giants
Meanwhile, separating Manning and Coughlin were NFL special investigator Ted Wells, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, and Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
Here are some of the other notable influencer's to make the list:
Bears coach John Fox (96), Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (93), NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith (88),Ravens coach John Harbaugh (66), Cowboys coach Jason Garrett (63), Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (58), Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (47) , the "Thursday Night Football" viewer (45), Saints coach Sean Payton (44), Bills coach Rex Ryan (22), Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (15), and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (9).
