OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- One of the biggest changes in the Baltimore Ravens' 23-year history occurs Friday, when Eric DeCosta officially replaces Ozzie Newsome as general manager.
DeCosta, 47, joined the Ravens in their first year in 1996 in an entry level position before working up the team's front office ranks, becoming assistant GM in 2012. Over the previous nine offseasons, DeCosta reportedly turned down nine teams (the Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins) when they sought permission to speak to him.