Former NFL Commissioner PETE ROZELLE, who guided a still-developing league to its position today as America’s most popular sport, has been selected No. 1 on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports for the 20th Century.

In its issue available on newsstands today, The Sporting News says that Rozelle’s "leadership served as a model for the operation of sports leagues in the second half of the century."

Rozelle served as NFL Commissioner from 1960-89, and died in 1996.

"Our editors from all sports contributed names and we gradually set them in order," said JOHN D. RAWLINGS, editor in chief of The Sporting News. "I think it is fitting that Pete Rozelle finished at the top. You could say he was the man who gave us the Super Bowl and stop there, but his contribution was so much more far-reaching than even that monumental accomplishment."

The magazine’s list of the 100 most powerful people in sports includes executives, athletes, media figures, innovators, manufacturers, politicians, coaches and agents.

"Pete Rozelle turned the NFL into America’s passion," said NFL Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE. "He played a pivotal role in the (then) largest TV contract in history, and the creation of NFL Films and NFL Properties. He gave us Monday Night Football, the Super Bowl, and the AFL-NFL merger. We owe a lot to Pete Rozelle for turning professional sports into such a big part of American culture."