die-hard fans new playoff hopes, thanks to Baylor’s efforts.”
Ozzie Newsome, General Manager/Executive VP, Baltimore Ravens, 48: “Newsome broke barriers in 2002 when he became the NFL’s first black general manager. The former Cleveland Browns player is a legend in his native Alabama, where he earned college Hall of Fame honors before ultimately making the NFL Hall of Fame. His eye for signing promising new talent resulted in a Super Bowl championship and one of the NFL’s best defensive teams of all-time. Not content to rest on his laurels, Newsome already has his sights set on putting together another championship team. His motto: The right player at the right price. Highlight Reel: The National Football League named Newsome Executive of the Year in 2001.”
Art Shell, Senior Vice President of Football Operations and Development, NFL, 58: “A Hall of Fame inductee, Shell supervises all NFL football operations and development, including regular season and postseason operations, NFL Europe, the NFL Officiating Department, the NFL’s relationship with college football, and the league’s youth football activities. He also serves as a nonvoting member of the NFL Competition Committee. An offensive tackle with the Raiders from 1968 to 1982, Shell played in 207 regular-season games and 24 playoffs, including Super Bowls XI and XV. Highlight Reel: In 1992, Shell became the NFL’s first African American head coach when he was tapped to coach the Los Angeles Raiders.”
James Harris, Vice President of Player Personnel, Jacksonville Jaguars, 57: “Known for having a sharp eye for talent, Harris came to Jacksonville from the Baltimore Ravens, where he influenced personnel decisions and acquisitions. Harris was also the New York Jets assistant general manager for four years. Since joining the Jaguars, Harris has made significant contributions by acquiring first-round draft choices Byron Leftwich and Reggie Williams. Highlight Reel: Harris, one of the first black quarterbacks in the NFL, led the league with an 89.8 passer rating in 1976 and was named MVP of the 1975 Pro Bowl when he rallied the NFC to a 14-13 victory with two touchdown passes.”
Ken Williams, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Chicago White Sox, 40: “As the first African American general manager in Chicago sports history and the third in Major-League history, Williams is responsible for all White Sox baseball operations decisions, including all scouting efforts. Under William’s leadership, the White Sox were named Organization of the Year in 2000 by Baseball America, USA Today, and Howe Sports Data. A 21-year veteran with the Sox, Williams has served as player, scout, and a special assistant to the chairman. Highlight Reel: Under Williams’ management the White Sox have gone 333-315 (.514) with three second-place and one third-place finish.”
Industry Associations
Robert L. Johnson, CEO/ Owner, RLJ Development L.L.C./ Charlotte Bobcats/Sting, 58: “Johnson became the first African American billionaire in 2000 when he sold Black Entertainment Television to Viacom for $3.9 billion. Afterward, he aggressively pursued becoming majority owner of a sports franchise. In 2002, he closed the deal with Charlotte and opened a new chapter in black history-team ownership.