Press Release: Vinny Cerrato Named Executive Vice President (MEGA MERGED)

[TK]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2008

VINNY CERRATO NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

ASHBURN, VA – The Washington Redskins today named Vinny Cerrato to the new position of Executive Vice President/Football Operations. He will assume responsibility for all aspects of the team’s football organization - including personnel, the team roster, scouting and salary cap management.

“The appointment formalizes the structure the team has operated under in recent years, and is recognition of the valuable role Vinny has played this season, especially during a time of terrible tragedy,” said team Owner Daniel M. Snyder. "During the past season we were hit with an unprecedented number of injuries, and Vinny consistently identified players who stepped in and stepped up to help take us to the playoffs."
Joe Gibbs, who recently retired after four years as Head Coach and Team President added, “Vinny worked closely with me on all personnel matters. This is a well-deserved acknowledgement of that.”

“Today's Washington Redskins roster is a testament to Vinny and the personnel department being an integral part of our team structure in identifying players, whether acquired in free agency, the draft or on sometimes very short notice as we made our way through the season,” Gibbs said.

Cerrato currently is playing a central role in the search for Gibbs’ replacement, as he did four years ago when the Head Coach position last was open.

“The team’s executive ranks are solid with Vinny at the head of the football operation and Chief Operating Officer Mitch Gershman leading the Redskins’ other important business,” Snyder said. “Their close working relationship ensures strong leadership.”

Cerrato is entering his 18th season in the NFL and 9th season with the Redskins. Before coming to Washington, he spent nine seasons, and earned his first Super Bowl ring, with the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as Director of College Scouting and Director of Player Personnel.

Before joining the NFL, he worked with Lou Holtz at Notre Dame as football recruiting coordinator, winning a national championship ring. He began his career as a graduate assistant for the Minnesota Golden Gophers before being promoted to recruiting coordinator.

Cerrato is a 1982 graduate of Iowa State, where he lettered at quarterback and wide receiver all four years. He was born in Flushing, NY, and grew up in Albert Lea, MN, where he played football, hockey and ran track. Cerrato and his wife Rebecca have two sons, Vincent John and Charles.

[stwasm]

And the nightmare continues. Must be nice to have more misses than hits, and get a promotion.

[jbooma]

And the nightmare continues. Must be nice to have more misses than hits, and get a promotion.

I am starting to think of Major League now. Danny wants all the fans to give up as so he can move the team to LA

[stwasm]

I am starting to think of Major League now. Danny wants all the fans to give up as so he can move the team to LA

At this point, I'd help him pack, just so we can get an expansion team and start over again with some front-office competency. This is horrible!

[S.T.real,lights,out]

I am starting to think of Major League now. Danny wants all the fans to give up as so he can move the team to LA

The sad thing is that could be true.

[Clark84]

And the nightmare continues. Must be nice to have more misses than hits, and get a promotion.

I agree. What does it say that if this guy was ever fired or let go again, that NO TEAM would even hire him as a scout. It is sad he has so much say in who will lead the Redskins next.

[JimmyConway]

And the nightmare continues. Must be nice to have more misses than hits, and get a promotion.

Can't wait to hear what the mediotes have to say about this. For once I might agree with them.

[praise_gibbs]

I give this a 9 out of 10 on the Es Joke Meter. Good one Rick!

[kovachs]

Cerrato has been promoted and given more authority?

This is madness!!!!

No, this is Snyder.

[Fifty Gut]

we're ****ed

"Gregg doesn't have a working relationship with Vinny"

Snyder, don't you think there's a damn good reason for that?

[Reaganaut]

we're ****ed

"Gregg doesn't have a working relationship with Vinny"

Snyder, don't you think there's a damn good reason for that?

Gregg Williams has gotten all the first round picks since he's been here with the exception of Jason Campbell. Macintosh, Rogers, Taylor, Landry... yeah, they have a crappy working relationship. Not buying it. Vinnie Cerrato is about 50/50 on free agents with some notable greats like Griffin, Washington, Fletcher, Portis, Smoot, Moss, Randle-El and others. His failures were also notable with Archuletta, Arrington if you count him as a failure, Brandon Lloyd, etc. He just needs the authority and should have been made GM a long time ago. It's the owner's right to have who he wants in that job and Cerrato isn't the best nor is he the worst. Lately, he has been making some good acquisitions and the draft picks have been sensational.

[edgun88]

This is madness!!!!

No, this is Snyder.

Exactly.

[jbooma]

I give this a 9 out of 10 on the Es Joke Meter. Good one Rick!

It is no joke just announced on the radio

[praise_gibbs]

It is no joke just announced on the radio

I know. But, a man can hope, right?

[corrupt3d]

Does that mean we might hire a GM?