According to a poll in Sports Illustrated, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has a high approval rating among one of his key constituencies — the players.

The poll reveals that a majority of players — 66 percent — believe Goodell is doing an above-average job in his role as commissioner.

The poll drew responses from 296 NFL players and was taken just before the start of the 2009 season, a time that marked the third anniversary of Goodell’s appointment as commissioner, replacing Paul Tagliabue. The poll also revealed that younger players have an even higher approval rating. Among players aged 21-24 that responded, 72 percent graded Goodell with an “A” or “B” grade.

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