Former New England Patriots Player Invited to GM Forum

Scott Pioli helped create the greatest dynasty in the history of the National Football League. He spent nine years in the New England Patriots front office from 2000 to 2008. Pioli held several job titles, including the Vice President of Player Personnel for his final seven seasons in Foxboro. He left before the 2009 season to become general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pioli earned three Super Bowl rings during his time in New England. He reached Super Bowl 51 as an assistant GM with the Atlanta Falcons. Pioli recalled being on the opposing side during the Patriots’ famous comeback victory during Episode 8 of “The Dynasty” series. He retold the story while those around him prematurely celebrated a Falcons championship.

“You f’n people don’t get it,” Pioli reprimanded them. “That guy number 12 across the field (Tom Brady) is Freddie f’n Krueger.”

Also Read – Eliot Wolf in Enviable Position With the Patriots

Scott Pioli knows what it takes to be a successful NFL executive. So, one should pay attention when Pioli talks about executives the football world could become familiar with. One such person singled out by Pioli is a former New England Patriots Player.

Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum

The fourth annual Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum takes place on June 17-18 in Inglewood, California. There is an accompanying quarterback coaching clinic as well. The GM forum is named after Newsome, who became a successful NFL executive with the Baltimore Ravens following his Hall of Fame playing career.

Troy Vincent, the NFL Executive VP of Football Operations, spoke about the importance of the event.“

The Quarterback Coaching Summit and Ozzie Newsome General Managers Forum are part of our ongoing efforts to break mobility barriers, establish a cultural norm of opportunity for all, and develop a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Vincent. “We are dedicated to identifying and strengthening the coaching and personnel development pipeline for experienced coaches of color and providing each participant with the tools to hone their craft and achieve success.”

Although the New England Patriots do not have any staff members participating in the 2024 event, they do have a former player who will be.

Roman Phifer

Phifer enjoyed 15 seasons as a player in the NFL. He was a member of the Rams, Jets, Patriots, and Giants from 1991 to 2005. Despite playing in New England for only four seasons, he is best remembered by most as a Patriot. This is due to the immense success he enjoyed with the Patriots.

Roman Phifer played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2004. This made him a member of the first three Super Bowl championship teams in franchise history. In those four seasons, the Patriots won three Super Bowls. Phifer appeared in 68 games, including postseason, starting 53 of them. He played more games with the Rams (120) but never played in the playoffs during his 12 NFL seasons outside New England.

Following his playing career, Phifer got into coaching, joining the Denver Broncos staff in 2010. Phifer joined the college ranks in 2016. He became the director of player development for UCLA. Phifer returned to the NFL in 2018, joining the Detroit Lions as an area scout. In 2021 he returned to Denver, becoming a senior personnel director with the Broncos.

Scott Pioli’s Comments on Roman Phifer

Pioli wrote an article about the first-time attendees of the Ozzie Newsome GM summit for NFL.com. This is what he wrote about Roman Phifer:

“Phifer has more than two decades of NFL experience as a coach/scout/executive and a three-time Super Bowl-champion linebacker. I spent five seasons with Phifer when he was a player — one season with the New York Jets (1999) and four seasons in New England (2000-04), where he helped us change the culture and win three titles. He was a quiet leader, respected by the locker room because of the consistent way he went about his business. Phifer has held the role of senior personnel executive for the Broncos since 2021 and is heavily involved in both pro and college scouting. Throughout the years, he has held multiple positions, including area scout for the Detroit Lions (2018-2020), director of player development at UCLA (2016-17) and assistant linebackers coach for the Broncos (2009-2010).”

After being a championship NFL player, Roman Phifer now looks to continue to make an impact on the league as an executive. The Denver Broncos have some work to do to get back into championship contention, but the task is no more difficult than what Roman Phifer faced when he joined the New England Patriots in 2001. Three Lombardi Trophies later, there is no questioning how well that went.