OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Ozzie Newsome became the first black general manager in NFL history Monday, signing a new five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
Newsome becomes the Ravens' GM and executive vice president. He formerly held the title of senior vice president of football operations.
"The new title reflects his duties and importance to the franchise," Ravens owner Art Modell said of Newsome. "It will broaden his scope into more of a GM role."
Newsome was already responsible for most of the chores associated with being a general manager, and other NFL teams have had blacks in the similar role of vice president of player personnel. But Newsome is the first to hold the title of general manager.
