Goodell's first year filled with tough calls

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2007 | by Jim Corbett

BEREA, Ohio -- Munching M&M's as he unwinds inside a private jet carrying him from a morning visit to the Detroit Lions training camp to an afternoon meeting with the Cleveland Browns, Roger Goodell conveys the vibe of the regular-guy commissioner.

In contrast to his more buttoned-up predecessor, former corporate attorney Paul Tagliabue, the low-key former public relations intern and league executive is dressed in khakis, sneakers and a blue golf shirt with the NFL's shield logo.

The shield, always the shield. It is everything to Goodell, 48, who nears the end of his first year as NFL commissioner with a centerpiece player conduct policy in place and a critical conduct matter pending.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Goodell said Thursday that...