Some media insiders speculated Wednesday that Iger’s involvement with the NFL could ultimately position him to become the next NFL commissioner — a scenario that a person close to Iger quickly dismissed. Zimbalist agreed, saying that NFL commissioner has become a much harder job in recent years.
“The job of commissioner has escalated. It used to be a figurehead job largely and it has become a CEO job,” Zimbalist said.
“It requires you to keep the media happy, you’ve got to keep the owners happy and you’ve got to keep the players union happy, and you’ve got to be constantly active and effective. You have to do lobbying in Congress.”
Hollywood insiders also have long gossiped that Iger might have political interests and could entertain a bid for California governor or a senator of his home state of New York — another scenario flatly rejected by the person close to Iger, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The speculation appears to spring from the belief that when Iger leaves Disney, he still will be healthy and vibrant and perhaps eager to tackle another high-profile assignment.
He orchestrated the rare case of a legacy company getting back on track, a mission usually accomplished by an outsider, not someone who had slowly marched up the ladder.
Times staff writer Stephen Battaglio contributed to this report.
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