It was announced that Baltimore Ravens president Dick Cass is retiring after 18 years in the position. Sashi Brown will take over the role of Cass, and he’s got big shoes to fill. Cass is one of the most respected executives in the NFL. Brown has prior experience working in the NFL and the NBA, so he’ll bring plenty of knowledge to the Baltimore organization.
In the press conference introducing Brown to the media, Cass expressed his confidence in passing the baton on to Brown.
“I knew him as a person, and I interviewed him several times very closely this past year. I had a high degree of confidence that he would be really good for us here. Steve also spoke to someone that Steve and I know and both respect, and he knew Sashi and also recommended him highly…”
Cass also talked about what he saw in Brown when the two worked together in a legal setting.
“What I saw in him is that he’s a smart guy. He’s very smart [and] has good judgement. He’s thoughtful. He always … As a young lawyer, a lot of guys come in thinking they know everything, and, of course, we don’t know anything as young lawyers. He didn’t pretend to know everything. … You keep coming back to his people skills, his poise and his presence. I think people here will like him. I just think he’s going to do an outstanding job…”
Brown went into detail about taking the baton from someone he respects so much in Cass.
“…He’s just been a model; he’s been great that way. And then I look and say, ‘Oh, damn. Now it’s on me.’ (laughter) And so, from my perspective, I really take it seriously, in terms of the responsibility that … You take that baton, and you know it’s coming at a good pace – to use a relay and track & field analogy – and so, I think I’m up to the challenge. There are some big shoes that I will not fill entirely Day One, but I look to growing into and hopefully filling out in time. So, it’s an important responsibility and charge, just as it is taking over one of the leadership roles here, for this great organization and this great community of Baltimore, and I take all that very seriously.”
Cass clearly thinks highly of Brown as a person as well as in terms of what he can bring to the Ravens organization. Brown will bring a new perspective, and should excel in his new role.