Ozzie Newsome
March 16, 1956
NFL history maker
First African-American general manager in the National Football League the Baltimore Ravens.
Ozzie Newsome, known for his outstanding career as a player and his successful tenure as a front office executive, earned his place in the Cleveland Browns’ “Ring of Honor” due to his remarkable contributions to the team. Newsome was a standout tight end during his playing career with the Cleveland Browns, and he later became the first African-American general manager in the NFL, a position he held with the Baltimore Ravens. In September 2021, Ozzie Newsome was inducted into the “Ring of Honor” of the Cleveland Browns. The Cleveland Browns’ “Ring of Honor” is a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the franchise. It serves as a way to honor and remember legendary figures in the team’s history.
Ozzie Newsome Jr. (born March 16, 1956) is a prominent figure in American football, both as a former player and an esteemed executive. He currently holds the position of Executive Vice President of Player Personnel for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Newsome’s contributions to the sport have earned him a place in both the College Football Hall of Fame (1994) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1999). Furthermore, he served as the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens from 1996 to 2018 and continues to play a significant behind-the-scenes role with the team. Newsome is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of football.
College Career Ozzie Newsome’s journey in football began at the University of Alabama, where he played a pivotal role for all four years of his college career. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Oz,” Newsome earned a place on the College Football All-America Team in 1977 and contributed to the Crimson Tide’s impressive 42–6 overall record during his tenure. Throughout his college years, Newsome compiled impressive statistics, including 102 receptions for 2,070 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility by returning 40 punts for 301 yards. Newsome’s remarkable average of 20.3 yards per catch set a Southeastern Conference record that stood for over two decades. His outstanding contributions led to him being named the Alabama Player of the Decade for the 1970s. Additionally, he earned recognition as a two-time All-SEC player (in 1976 and 1977) and was named SEC Lineman of the Year in 1977 by prestigious organizations such as the Birmingham Quarterback Club and the Atlanta Touchdown Club. In 1994, Ozzie Newsome’s impressive college career was acknowledged with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Professional Career Ozzie Newsome’s professional journey began when he was drafted in the first round as the 23rd pick of the 1978 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. In his rookie year, he received the Browns’ Offensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first rookie in 25 years to achieve this honor. Throughout his career, Newsome was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1981, 1984, and 1985. In 1984, he set a franchise record for receiving yards in a single game with 191, a record that endured for 29 years until surpassed by Josh Gordon in 2013. Newsome’s dedication to the game earned him the Ed Block Courage Award in 1986 for his determination to play through injuries. Moreover, in 1990, he received the Byron “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year Award for his remarkable community service contributions. Despite not reaching a Super Bowl during his playing career, Newsome helped lead the Cleveland Browns to seven playoff appearances and three AFC championship games. Newsome concluded his playing career with outstanding statistics, including 662 receptions, 7,980 receiving yards (both franchise records for the Cleveland Browns), and 47 touchdowns. In recognition of his remarkable career, Ozzie Newsome was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Football Executive Transitioning into the executive realm of football, Ozzie Newsome began his front-office career with the Cleveland Browns in 1991, a role he continued when the franchise relocated to Baltimore in 1996. He has maintained his executive position with the Baltimore Ravens since their inaugural season. On November 22, 2002, Newsome made history by becoming the first African-American to hold the position of general manager in the NFL when he was appointed as the general manager of the Ravens. Newsome’s career as an executive saw significant success, including two Super Bowl victories with the Ravens: Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 and Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.
Continued Involvement While Newsome officially stepped down as the general manager of the Ravens in 2018, he remains actively engaged with the team in a prominent role. He is listed as Executive Vice President on the Ravens Official Website, highlighting his ongoing contributions and significance within the organization.
Additional Honors In 2003, Ozzie Newsome received the Eagle Award, the highest honor granted by the United States Sports Academy, recognizing his substantial contributions to international sport. Furthermore, he holds a place in the Cleveland Browns’ “Ring of Honor” as a member of the inaugural class, inducted on September 19, 2010. Ozzie Newsome’s impact on football, from his playing days to his executive career, continues to be celebrated and revered in the world of sports.