Mark Leibovich wrote a lengthy, well reported book on the state of the NFL.

Leibovich believes Roger Goodell has kept his job as commissioner despite a litany of issues due to a drive that stems from pleasing his father.

Goodell idolized his father, the late U.S. senator Charles Goodell, once writing to him, “If there is one thing I want to accomplish in life besides becoming commissioner of the NFL, it is to make you proud of me.”

Leibovich said Goodell has “a real, real talent for lubricating insecure, very rich, largely aging white men.” 

For many owners, firing Goodell would be like firing their own son.