Ozzie Newsome
is used to being first. Born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, he was one of
the first African Americans to play on an integrated Little League baseball
team and one of the first blacks to attend an integrated high school.
These accomplishments were long ago. However, more than two years ago,
Newsome added another first to his list of achievements.
On Nov. 25, 2002, Newsome was the first African American
to be named general manager in the National Football League (NFL). He
is the general manager and executive vice president of the Baltimore Ravens.
Nicknamed the "Wizard of Oz," Newsome began
his career with the NFL as a tight end with the Cleveland Browns in 1978
and started his climb up the ladder with the league. After a successful
career, he retired and left the football field in 1990 and became a special
assignment scout for the Ravens.
Next, he assumed the position of assistant to the head coach/offense-personnel.
This position led to his stint as director of pro personnel. In 1996, he was
responsible for the team's draft. Before being named the Ravens' general manager,
Newsome was senior vice president of football operations.
"Decisions you
face every day will
impact the rest of your lives."
Then an All-American at the University of Alabama,
Newsome was one of the Cleveland Browns' first-round draft picks. During his
athletic career, he was named the team's offensive player of the year and
was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 1981, 1984 and 1985. In 1990, he was presented
the NFL Players Association's Byron "Whizzer" White award for community
service.
He has been inducted into four halls of fame:
National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame, NCAA Hall of Fame, NFL
Hall of Fame and University of Alabama Hall of Fame. In 2000, Newsome was
named the NFL executive of the year after the Ravens captured its Super Bowl
victory.
Newsome has evolved from a player to the general
manager of an NFL franchise. The advances he has made throughout his career
are proof that "decisions you face every day will impact the rest of
your lives," he said.
