Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has been named NFL Executive of the Year by the Sporting News.
Since joining the Falcons in 2008, Dimitroff has engineered key moves and drafted a solid nucleus of players to augment the Falcons roster. Dimitroff's philosophy is centered on the belief that the NFL Draft is the major building block to establish a team's foundation for the future. Using that blueprint, Dimitroff has selected franchise cornerstones such as QB Matt Ryan (Pro Bowl 2010), LT Sam Baker, LB Curtis Lofton, S Thomas DeCoud and S William Moore. This strategy, combined with his targeting of key veteran players like RB Michael Turner (Pro Bowl 2008 & 2010), TE Tony Gonzalez (Pro Bowl 2010), LB Mike Peterson and CB Dunta Robinson to shore up various positions, has been the catalyst for the Falcons turnaround since 2008.
"I am thrilled for and proud of Thomas and his staff," Falcons owner & CEO Arthur M. Blank said. "Winning this award twice in three years is validation and recognition of Thomas' many contributions not only to building a winning team over his first three seasons, but his unwavering focus and vision for this team's future. He is truly deserving of this award."
Dimitroff has won the award twice since being named the Falcons general manager in 2008. Under his leadership, the Falcons have posted three consecutive winning seasons for the first time in team history. Since 2008, Atlanta has posted a 33-15 (.688) record, which is tied for the third best in the NFL over the last three seasons. Additionally, the Falcons have earned playoff berths in two of Dimitroff's three seasons.
