"Ruston Webster's football playing career ended on a high school field in Mississippi more than 30 years ago. A linebacker, he wrecked a knee during his senior season.

Yet it was hardly a dream-killer. As he walked the campus as a student at Ole Miss the next four years, Webster knew what he wanted to do with his life. And he could hardly wait to get started.

"I wanted to go into coaching, whether it was a high school job or whatever," he said. "That's what I was going to do."

Webster's coaching career was also short-lived, but he found that his eye for scouting talent — as well as the need for a bigger paycheck and more stability — would lead him to his life's calling.

The Titans this week promoted Webster to general manager, the most significant step of his 24 seasons in NFL front offices.

Those who know him well say the job rewards his hard work behind the scenes over the years. But they also believe Webster is a great choice because he's so good at gathering input to identify players who fit exactly what a team needs, and he goes about his job without a hint of ego."