Meaning: The quote provided is attributed to Pete Rozelle, who was the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) from 1960 to 1989. In this quote, Rozelle is expressing skepticism about the feasibility of having 1300 players participate in the selection of a commissioner. He also mentions that he has never given the idea much thought, considering it more of an academic point than a practical one.

Pete Rozelle's tenure as NFL commissioner was marked by significant growth and success for the league. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of professional American football. During his time as commissioner, Rozelle oversaw the NFL's expansion, the development of the Super Bowl into a major cultural event, and the establishment of the league as a dominant force in American sports.

The quote in question reflects Rozelle's pragmatic approach to the complex issues facing the NFL during his tenure. It highlights his understanding of the challenges involved in governance and decision-making within a large and diverse organization, such as the NFL. Rozelle's comments also shed light on the practical considerations that must be taken into account when contemplating changes to the league's leadership structure.

In the quote, Rozelle acknowledges the logical basis for the players' desire to have a say in the selection of the commissioner. The players are a vital component of the league, and their perspectives and interests should be taken into consideration in matters of league governance. However, Rozelle also emphasizes the practical challenges of involving such a large number of players in the selection process. His reference to the issue as "only an academic one" suggests that, in his view, the idea may have theoretical merit, but implementing it in practice would be highly complex.

Rozelle's comments also reflect the broader dynamics of power and decision-making in professional sports leagues. The selection of a commissioner is a crucial decision that can have far-reaching implications for the direction and management of the league. In the context of the NFL, which operates as a multi-billion-dollar business with a complex network of stakeholders, the process of selecting a commissioner involves navigating a web of competing interests and priorities.

It is worth noting that Rozelle's skepticism about the feasibility of involving 1300 players in the selection process may have been influenced by practical considerations, such as the logistical challenges of organizing such a large-scale voting process. Additionally, the quote may also reflect Rozelle's perspective on the broader dynamics of power and decision-making within the NFL, where the interests of various stakeholders, including team owners, executives, and players, must be carefully balanced.

Overall, Pete Rozelle's quote provides insight into the complexities of governance and decision-making in professional sports leagues, as well as the practical considerations that must be taken into account when contemplating changes to leadership structures. It also offers a glimpse into Rozelle's pragmatic approach to addressing the challenges of managing a major sports organization like the NFL.