Ozzie Newsome

Former Cleveland Browns tight end, Ravens general manager from 1996 to 2018, and two-time Super Bowl champion.

Ozzie Newsome Jr., born March 16, 1956, is an American professional football executive and former player currently serving as the executive vice president of player personnel for the Baltimore Ravens. Before his long tenure in the front office, he was a standout tight end for the Cleveland Browns. He served as the general manager of the Ravens from their inception in 1996 until 2018. During his time with the franchise, Newsome earned two Super Bowl rings: one after defeating the New York Giants 34–7 in Super Bowl XXXV (2001) and another following a 34–31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII (2013).

Quick Facts

Current team: Baltimore Ravens
Position: Executive vice president/player personnel
Born: 16 March 1956
Birthplace: Muscle Shoals, Alabama, U.S.
High school: Colbert County (Leighton, Alabama)
College: Alabama (1974–1977)
Draft year: 1978
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

Newsome's football journey began at Alabama, where he started for all four years under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz," he helped the Crimson Tide post a 42–6 record over his four seasons, earning All-America honors in 1977 and being named SEC Player of the Year that same year by both the Birmingham Quarterback Club and Atlanta Touchdown Club. His collegiate dominance was marked by 102 receptions for 2,070 yards and a Southeastern Conference record average of 20.3 yards per catch.

Bryant famously called him "the greatest end in Alabama history." After being drafted 23rd overall by the Cleveland Browns in 1978, Newsome became an immediate impact player, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as a rookie—a feat that had not been accomplished by a receiver since Johnny Rodgers in 1974. He set a franchise record with 191 receiving yards in a single game in 1984 and earned three Pro Bowl selections (1981, 1984, 1985). His resilience was recognized with the Ed Block Courage Award in 1986.

Reader's Guide

For fans studying Ozzie Newsome's career, focus on his dual legacy as a record-setting tight end and a pioneering executive. As a player, he finished with 662 receptions and 7,980 yards—both Cleveland franchise records—and was the all-time leader in receptions and yards among NFL tight ends upon retirement. His 47 touchdowns rank fifth all-time for his position. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. As an executive, he led the Ravens from their inaugural season through two Super Bowl victories. Despite stepping down as GM after the 2018 season, his influence remains central to the franchise's operations.

Did You Know?

Newsome holds the Alabama Player of the Decade honor for the 1970s.
In 1984, Newsome set a Cleveland Browns single-game receiving record with 191 yards, which stood for 29 years until broken in 2013 by Josh Gordon.
Newsome was the first African-American to serve as general manager in NFL history when named to the role in 1996.
He won the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award in 1990 for his community service.
Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant called Newsome "the greatest end in Alabama history and that includes Don Hutson."