TAMPA — It took a while, but Roger Goodell finally got his man.
A good man.
In hiring Lightning executive Tod Leiweke on Friday as the NFL’s new chief operating officer, Goodell took a major step forward in improving the league’s image with fans and business partners.
Leiweke, 55, is a people person. Ask any Lightning employee or local hockey supporter who dealt with him during Leiweke’s five years working for Tampa Bay owner Jeff Vinik.
Leiweke’s hands were everywhere, from new logo designs to a major renovation at Amalie Arena. Perhaps most importantly, he was instrumental in building a bond between the Lightning and disillusioned fans who were beaten down by years of inept management.