Roger Goodell & Drew Brees On The Fan

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell joined WFAN's Boomer & Carton to give his take on Rex Ryan, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and Thursday's huge prime-time television ratings.

"We are proud of [the ratings], and it demonstrates the popularity of our game," Goodell said. "I've often said there's no better time to be an NFL fan than right now."

LISTEN: Roger Goodell with Boomer & Carton

Thursday's Vikings-Saints opener earned the highest rating for a regular-season, prime-time game in 12 years. NBC said Friday that New Orleans' 14-9 win in a rematch of the NFC championship drew a 16.5 rating and 28 share.

That's the best in prime time in the regular season since a Minnesota-Green Bay game in 1998.

When asked about Rex Ryan's antics on Hard Knocks, Goodell was quick to defend the boisterous coach.

"Rex is Rex. He's passionate, he believes in what he's doing, he's controversial because he's willing to stand behind his words," Goodell said. "I think that's a very positive thing - not only for the NFL, but for the Jets."

Super Bowl champion Drew Brees also joined Boomer & Carton to talk about Thursday's NFL opener.

"I heard 300,000 people came to New Orleans without a ticket to the game, just to hang out," Brees said. "We welcome anyone who wants to come in and enjoy the city."

LISTEN: Drew Brees with Boomer & Carton

On Thursday, Brees completed 27 of 36 passes for 237 yards and one touchdown, a 29-yarder to Devery Henderson.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.