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.

[praise_gibbs]

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

[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

[kovachs]

Cerrato has been promoted and given more authority?

This is madness!!!!

No, this is Snyder.

[corrupt3d]

Does that mean we might hire a GM?

[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

[corrupt3d]

This definately means Williams is not getting the job. They don't mesh well, Williams and Cerrato that is...

[Soup]

I wish my job promoted based on poor performance, I'd be a Vice President too. Only in america

[praise_gibbs]

It is no joke just announced on the radio

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

[RFKFedEx]

"Executive Vice President"

Is it like "double secret probation"?

Why won't Danny just call him "General Manager" the way most other teams don their head personel man?

[WilberMWarrior58]

What in god's name is wrong with Dan Synder? I think Synder and Cerrato are secret lovers. I'm not kidding.

[Major Harris]

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[MDRedskinsFan]

This rules out any of the big name candidates like Cowher or Carroll. And this is probably what GW objected to, so I'm going to guess Fassel will be the new head coach within 48 hours. What a crock of ****!!! I wish I could get a promotion putting the crap on the field he does.

[stoney26]

Lol. What else can be said besides LOL.