Ozzie Newsome makes history as NFL's first black general manager

Jet, Dec 16, 2002

Ozzie Newsome became the first Black general manager in National Football League history when he recently signed a new five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

An upgrade in Newsome's title was included in his contract terms where he now becomes the Ravens general manager and executive vice president. Newsome, 46, formerly held the title of senior vice president of football operations, in which he was still the highest-ranking Black official on an NFL team.

"From a historical standpoint, this is very significant," said Newsome, the NFL executive of the year in 2000. "I'm the only Black general manager in the National Football League. Growing up in the South, there were a lot of times when I was one of the first. I was one of the first Blacks to play Little League baseball. Sometimes it's all about the right timing."

"The new title reflects his duties and importance to the franchise," Ravens owner Art Modell said. "He was the architect of our Super Bowl team of two years ago, and he's the mastermind behind the transition we are undergoing right now. This new title and contract salutes what he does for the organization, and should assure fans that the team is in good hands for the future."

Newsome mastered the on-field tactics of the NFL when he enjoyed a spectacular career as a tight end with the Cleveland Browns and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.