ESPN NFL

He slipped a spot from last year's overall ranking, but SportsBusiness Journal lists New England Patriots patriarch Robert Kraft the second-most influential owner behind only Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones.

SportsBusiness Journal on Monday published its annual 50 Most Influential People in Sports Business list.

Kraft ranks No. 12 overall and the third-most influential man in football. Jones is No. 2. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is No. 4.

Kraft is one of only eight owners ranked. Behind him are No. 20 John Henry (Boston Red Sox), No. 28 Hal Steinbrenner (New York Yankees), No. 35 Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks), No. 39 Jerry Richardson (Carolina Panthers), No. 43 Jeremy Jacobs (Boston Bruins) and No. 45 Pat Bowlen (Denver Broncos).

Here is SportsBusiness Journal's take on Kraft's significance:

Robert Kraft continues his run as one of the NFL's most important owners.

Even with the loss of star quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots' admired depth and football system has kept the club in the playoff hunt. Off the field, Kraft's post as chairman of the broadcast committee keeps him on top of the league's biggest revenue line, and the opening of the retail Patriot Place adjacent to Gillette Stadium is a trendsetter for stadium and retail development.

Kraft also has groomed his son, Jonathan, as a leading team executive, ensuring that the Kraft name will continue to be an influential one in NFL circles for many years to come.