Trio of Giants among NFL’s 100 most important people

The New York Giants are well-represented on a recently-published USA Today list of the 100 most important people in the NFL.

No. 12 — Co-owner John Mara

USA Today says:

President, CEO, and co-owner of the New York Giants. He also serves as chairman of the NFL management council executive committee. Considered one of the classiest owners in the league. His grandfather, Tim Mara, founded the Giants in 1925.

Valentine’s View: Mara is without doubt one of the league’s most important people. He is almost always at Goodell’s side, or at least in his corner, during a negotiation. Here is the thing I dislike about this ranking — there aren’t, in my mind, four more important owners than Mara. USA Today shows Jerry Jones (Cowboys/1), Robert Kraft (Patriots/6), Stan Kroenke (Rams/8) and Sheldon Adelson (Vegas/11) ahead of Mara. I might give you Jones and Kraft, but no one else.

No. 45 — Odell Beckham Jr.

USA Today says:

Giants wide receiver. In the golden age of pass catchers, the man who dominates highlight reels by hauling in so many with one hand stands above the rest.

Valentine’s View: Among non-quarterbacks, only Von Miller (17), Richard Sherman (19) and J.J. Watt (29) rank higher. Beckham’s electrifying play, on-field demeanor and off-the-field celebrity make him the center of attention wherever he goes.

No. 60 — Manning Family

USA Today says:

From recently retired Peyton, who went out with a second Super Bowl ring, to his brother Eli, who has the same number of championships with the Giants, to their dad Archie, who was a damn good QB on a lot of bad teams, they certainly can lay claim to being the First Family of Football. It remains to be seen if that title gets tarnished given the NFL’s ongoing investigation into Peyton’s alleged link to human growth hormone.

Valentine’s View: No big deal, but I’m a touch surprised that the “First Family of Football” isn’t higher on the list.