The Washington Football Team has made a historic announcement by naming former running back Jason Wright as its president, making him the first black team president in NFL history. The team announced the hiring Monday on "Good Morning America." Wright, a former running back who had spells with the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals, will be "responsible for leading the organization's business divisions, including operations, finance, sales, and marketing," according to a news release from the franchise.
The 38-year-old will report directly to Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder, who expects Wright to "set new standards" for inclusion within the organization. "If I could custom design a leader for this important time in our history, it would be Jason," said Washington team owner Daniel Synder. "His experience as a former player, coupled with his business acumen, gives him a perspective that is unrivaled in the league." "We will not rest until we are a championship-caliber team, on and off the field. Jason has a proven track record in helping businesses transform culturally, operationally, and financially. "He is a proactive and assertive advocate for the inclusion of all people and will set new standards for our organization, and for the league. There could not be a better duo than Jason Wright and Coach Ron Rivera as we usher in a new era for Washington Football."