It is possible to work your way to the top...

Roger Goodell

Born in Jamestown, N.Y., on Feb. 19, 1959.
Graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1981 with a degree in economics.

1982: Joined league in 1982 as an intern in the NFL's offices in New York.

1983: Worked for the New York Jets in public relations and administration offices.

1984: Returned to the NFL's offices as a public relations assistant.

1987 Appointed assistant to Lamar Hunt, the president of the American Football Conference (AFC), by then-NFL Commissioner Rozelle.

1990: Served Tagliabue as director of international development and club administration, vice president of operations, vice president of business development, senior vice president of league and football development, executive vice president of business and football development, and executive vice president of business, properties and club services

2001: Named NFL executive vice president and chief operating officer by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Among his duties was serving as president of NFL Ventures, Inc. (which oversees the NFL's business units, including media properties, marketing and sales, consumer products, international, stadium development, special events, and strategic planning). He also ran the league's football operations and officiating departments.

2006: NFL Commissioner