The phrase “In Ozzie we trust” is a saying Baltimore Ravens fans have commonly used over the years when front-office executive Ozzie Newsome made decisions for the team. Whether it was sustained success in the NFL Draft, landing key contributors in free agency, or his way of managing the roster and salary cap; Newsome helped the Ravens build two Super Bowl champions and create a legacy as one of the most trusted general managers in the game. But with Baltimore taking on the Cleveland Browns tonight, it’s the perfect time to look back at Newsome’s beginning.
During his time at Colbert County High School in Leighton, Alabama Newsome was a multi-sport athlete, leading by example playing football, baseball, and basketball — earning All-America honors in football and basketball. During the 1972 football season, Newsome helped lead Colbert County High to a 13-0 season and state title playing wide receiver and defensive back. Newsome would stay in his home state to play college football for the University of Alabama from 1974-1977. During his time in Alabama, Newsome became a star wide receiver/tight end, playing 48 consecutive games and helping lead Alabama to a 42-6 record and three SEC championships.
Newsome was selected 23rd by the Cleveland Browns and was the second overall tight end to come off the board, becoming the first rookie in 25 years to be named Browns’ Offensive Player of the Year. Newsome played in 198 consecutive games and led Cleveland to three AFC Championships. Considered as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, Newsome finished his playing career after 13 seasons with 662 receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdown receptions — holding various records at the time.
After retiring as an NFL player, Newsome couldn’t stay away from the game or Cleveland, becoming a scout for the Browns. After a few seasons, Newsome was elevated to the Director of Pro Professional under then-coach Bill Belichick. Newsome’s time in Cleveland came to an end after the 1995 season when team owner Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore and changed the franchise to the Ravens. Newsome made the transition as Modell’s personal chief in Baltimore, further building his post-playing resume and truly earning that “Wizard of Oz” nickname.
Newsome was adept at finding talent, scouting it, and managing the draft board to land it; showcasing his capability immediately in Baltimore. During the 1996 NFL Draft — the first for the Ravens — Newsome landed offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis with the team’s first two selections, eventually seeing both go on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Though he largely held the responsibilities without necessarily having the title, Newsome made history in 2002 when he was named the first African-American general manager in the NFL. Newsome would preside over Baltimore’s roster and draft, helping the Ravens build two Super Bowl-winning teams and countless playoff squads before eventually stepping down from the role after the 2018 season to make way for Eric DeCosta to take over the job. Newsome remains with the team as the executive vice president to this day, however.
Newsome’s career took him through Cleveland, both as a player and executive, before continuing his legacy with Baltimore. It’s how he earned a bronze bust and golden jacket in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And at a time when the Ravens are set to take on the Browns for the second time this season, with their playoff hopes on the line, those roots shouldn’t be forgotten. But, if Dorothy is still searching for the “Wizard of Oz,” she may want to head to Baltimore instead of the Emerald City.
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