"Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome prides himself on his role as a pioneer who influences the careers of other African-Americans who have advanced into prominent front-office positions in the NFL.

As the NFL's first African-American general manager, Newsome has had success with the Ravens that has helped pave the way for others – including the Texans' Rick Smith – to run the personnel side of organizations in a league that is dominated by black players on the field.

Smith, who was 36 when owner Bob McNair hired him as general manager in June 2006, will get a chance to square off against his longtime mentor Sunday when the Texans take on the Ravens at noon in an AFC divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore."