John Wooten (2007), the Baltimore Ravens’ assistant director of personnel and longtime NFL scouting executive said “I wasn’t sure that I’d see this in my lifetime.” These words from Wooten show the magnitude and importance for minorities within the league. Tony Dungy (2007), head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, said “I’m very proud to be representing African-American coaches in the Super Bowl for the first time. I know Lovie (Smith) feels the same way,” he says. “But we also realize that there were many guys who, if given the opportunity, could have done the same thing.” Dungy had a powerful message for where the league was in 2007 and where it could be if the progress continues.
