Just days after the first official preseason game, there is a new commissioner in the National Football League: Roger Goodell. The move did not come as a surprise, as Goodell, who was Paul Tagliabue's right hand man, was expected to attain the job for months. At 47 years old, Goodell will begin his five-year term as commissioner at the start of the regular season.

Goodell beat out four other contenders for the job, and was ultimately voted in by the committee. Goodell hopes to rise to the occasion and fulfill the shoes that so few people have had.

"We've had the two greatest sports commissioners in the history of professional sports, Paul Tagliabue and Pete Rozelle, and I was fortunate to work for both of them," said Goodell. "I look forward to the challenge and thank them again for their confidence."

The NFL was very successful under Tagliabue, who did an outstanding job as the league's commissioner. Many believe that Goodell will continue on right where Tagliabue left off.

"The continuity was very important to me," said John Mara of the New York Giants. "Roger has an awareness of the history and the tradition that the league represents."

We wish Tagliabue the best of luck in his future endeavors, and give a warm welcome to Mr. Goodell.