TOP 5 NFL OWNERS

The number 5 spot on our countdown goes to the Steve Bisciotti, the owner of the Baltimore Ravens. The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the top consistent teams in the N.F.L. over the past decade. Bisciotti brought together one of the greatest defenses the N.F.L. had ever seen and they are still great on defense til this day. Bisciotti took over the franchise in 2000 and the improvements immediately showed with a Superbowl ring. His talent for managing his priorities are still seen at this moment as the Ravens are off to a 3-1 start.

The franchise has an overall record of 128 wins and has 111 losses with 1 tie. The Baltimore Ravens won the Superbowl in 2000. As of 2011, Baltimore is 9-6 in the playoffs. The Ravens have made the postseason on 7 different occasions. With such names as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the Ravens have been a defense that is feared on the team. Their physical play and defense fits them perfect in the A.F.C. North Division and it has led them to many years of success.

The number 4 spot on the list goes to Philadelphia's owner Jeffrey Lurie. Lurie excellence in ownership has showed in the past decade as the Eagles dominated the N.F.C. He took the Eagles Franchise over in 1994, when the organization was in turmoil. Lurie was born in Boston and he was the best match at the time. He began to see success when he drafted former Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb. When he took over in 1994, the organization was on the verge of being bankrupt.

As a franchise, Philadelphia has 504 wins, 537 losses, and 25 tie games. The Eagles are 19-20 all time in the post season. He received a lot of attention when they brought in troubled quarterback Michael Vick. And as of now, it was a brilliant move. It just shows you how knowledgeable he really is about the game and ownership. The Eagles went to 5 N.F.C. Championships in the 2000s and one Superbowl.

The number 3 spot goes to New England owner Robert Kraft. Kraft is widely known as one of the best owners in the N.F.L. He bought the Patriot Organization over in 1994 and quickly turned it into a powerhouse in the 2000s. The Patriots won 3 Superbowls under Kraft in 2001, 2003, and 2004. The Patriots went undefeated in 2007-2008 during the regular season. He has become a model owner and his commitment to the team is said to be like no other. His quality and professionalism has been seen over his reign. He believes in second chances and he has resurrected such careers as Randy Moss. He is one of the few owners that is personal with his players and it has paid off in success.

As an organization, New England is 401-362 with 9 ties. The Patriots are 21-15 in the postseason. They have made the playoffs in 18 seasons. The Patriots have won 6 conference championships and 17 division titles. They have become one of N.F.L.'s best teams during the 2000's. Their fan base is like no other and it makes their stadium one of the toughest venues to play at.

The Tisch and Mira family have owned the New York Giant Organization since 1923. They only paid $500 to buy the franchise. Over the past 88 year history, they have had plenty of success. They have won 7 championships. 4 of those wins were in the Superbowl and the other 3 are before the N.F.L. was formed. The franchise have never left the family as it has been passed down from generation to generation. Despite that fact, they have been quite successful over their history. Recently, Eli Manning led the Giants to a Superbowl win in 2008. It was one of the greatest upsets in N.F.L. history.

As a franchise, the New York Giants are 636-524 with 33 ties. They have seen the postseason in 30 seasons. New York is 20-24 all time in the postseason. They have won 10 conference championships and 15 division titles in their history. Their 636 wins are 3rd in the history of the franchise, only behind Chicago (704) and Green Bay (664). They are off to a great start this season going 3-1 in the first 4 games.

The numer one owner in the N.F.L. is no other then Art Rooney. The Pittsburgh Steeler owner may just be the greatest owner in sports period. He is the model of great ownership. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the best franchises to ever play professional football. He has led the Steelers to 7 championships. He is truly a class act and his relationship with the players is great. Many current and former players consider Rooney family. He has been loyal to Pittsburgh from the very beginning and the city loves him. The Steelers have one of the best fan bases in all of sports. There are times they bring more fans on a road game then the home team brings. The fans are loyal and they bleed black and yellow. The Rooney family have created one of the best organizations in sports.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 541-499 with 20 ties over their history, They have won 8 conference championships and 20 division titles. They are 7-1 in the Superbowl. The only loss was to Green Bay in 2010. Their fan base is so large, they are called "Steeler Nation". In the 70s, they were known as the "Steel Curtain" because of their dominant defense. That still holds true today and that just shows Rooney's abilities. They are 33-20 in the playoffs. So far this year, they have been bothered with injuries and they are off to a 2-2 start. But, if there is one team that can come back from this, it is Pittsburgh.

The Rooney Family have built the perfect franchise that is built on pride, dedication, and hard work that has led to success. He is an owner that cares about the fans and his players. The fans and his ownership make it the toughest venue to play at in the N.F.L. Many great players have played here, such as Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, and Franco Harris. Current stars such as Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu,and James Harrison carry on this rich tradition of pride. Hands down, Art Rooney is number one.