Art Shell promoted to top NFL executive

Jet, June 14, 2004

Art Shell, Pro Football Hall of Famer and the first Black NFL coach of the modern era, was recently named the NFL senior vice president for football operations.

At this executive position, Shell, 57, will supervise all NFL football operations and development, including regular season and postseason operations, NFL Europe League operations, the NFL's relationship with college football, and the league's youth football activities.

"This is a job that covers a lot of areas," Shell told the New York Times. "Most of my adult life has been spent working in the National Football League. I relish this opportunity. It says a lot for African Americans, that if you put forth the effort, you can get an opportunity like this."

Shell was drafted by the Raiders in 1968 and completed a stellar career with the team in 1982. He went on to make history when he was named the Raiders' head coach in 1989, the same year he was elected to the Hall of Fame.

The eight-time Pro Bowler most recently was working for the NFL office in New York as the appeals officer for player discipline. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Shell has the right balance of experience to succeed at this new post.

"In his playing and coaching career and in the past two years at league headquarters, Art Shell has demonstrated the ability to successfully manage a wide range of responsibilities," Tagliabue said. "We are pleased to have an executive with his experience and talent in this key position."