7 people who will have biggest impact on 2016 NFL season

The NFL is arguably the most star-studded of the four major North American professional sports leagues, giving rise to a celebrity culture of sorts.

Every week is replete with drama and compelling storylines that are the envy of most networks.

With that in mind, here are the seven people who will have the biggest impact on the 2016 NFL season:

Cam Newton

Cam Newton enters the season as reigning MVP and cultural icon. Last year, Newton's on-field brilliance led the Panthers to the highest-scoring offense in the NFL, along with a 15-1 record that culminated in a Super Bowl appearance. However, Newton also became a cultural litmus test, his celebrations garnering just as much attention as his significant improvement in the pocket. Newton's football acumen and jovial demeanor will continue to drive the national conversation, and he'll remain under the magnifying glass of critics and fans.

Todd Gurley

Los Angeles sells stardom better than any city in the world, and Todd Gurley will be the face of professional football in Hollywood. Gurley's already a household name and his profile ought to grow tenfold with another strong campaign. It's easy to forget that Gurley was still recovering from an ACL injury before starting for the Rams, rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games last year. He'll be counted upon to elevate his team in arguably the league's toughest division.

Roger Goodell

Simply, Roger Goodell can change the course of a season on a whim. He's capable of doling out disciplinary sanctions at a moment's notice, and given the commissioner's ability to affect league policy and enact change, it'd be naive to downplay his role in the upcoming campaign.

Jimmy Garoppolo

A strong performance from Jimmy Garoppolo is imperative to another extended postseason run from the New England Patriots in the wake of Tom Brady's four-game suspension. An unknown commodity entering his third season, Garoppolo will need to prove worthy of his second-round draft status from 2014. Although they boast an enormous wealth of talent, the Patriots haven't been this vulnerable since Brady tore his ACL and MCL in the 2008 opener. Garoppolo will be required to keep the team afloat and prove his professional mettle while Bill Belichick watches his every move - no pressure, Jimmy!

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett's surpassed Seahawks teammate Richard Sherman as the league's most candid interview and outspoken critic. Bennett isn't afraid to speak up on a number of issues, ranging from police brutality to ineffective league policies. As one of few players who's focused on enacting social change, that distinction could get him onto this list by itself. However, Bennett is also one of the NFL's premier defensive linemen, with equal fluency at end and tackle. If the Seahawks win their second Super Bowl in four years, Bennett will surely star as an integral component.

Khalil Mack

For the first time in over a decade, the Oakland Raiders are expected to make a serious challenge for a postseason berth, and Khalil Mack is leading the charge. He made history last season by becoming the first player to be named an All-Pro at two different positions. While that may be indicative of voters' tendencies to ignore hybrid players, Mack is one of the game's most alluring stars with a tantalizing trajectory. Apologies to Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, but if the Raiders make the playoffs, Mack will be the primary reason why.

Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III has the opportunity to be reborn in Cleveland under the tutelage of new head coach Hue Jackson. Griffin's fall from grace in Washington was well-documented, but the former Heisman Trophy winner appears to have regained his confidence, and could become the Comeback Player of the Year. The roster lacks top-end talent, so Griffin's quest to become one of the NFL's top quarterbacks once again may be riddled with difficulties, but he'll have every chance to defy expectations for himself and the Browns.