Thomas Dimitroff

Despite what some people may think of him, hanging out with Bill Belichick is the wise thing to do if you want a career in football. Coaches and personnel people jsut seem to spin off of him. Thomas Dimitroff is one of those guys.

I was somewhat aware of Dimitroff when was hired as the Atlanta Falcons general manager in 2003. I had often heard his name mentioned as being a part of the effective New England Patriots personnel team. When I saw him on TV as the new Falcons GM, I thought that he was a high school kid amped for his first rave. Despite being 37 at the time, he looked much younger. The spiked hair made him look even younger. As the Falcons have steadily improved since 2003, it was apparent that he was doing some good things. The team even had to change their direction due to Michael Vick's idiocy. Acquiring Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and Dunta Robinson have all been strong moves. His drafts have proven to be solid, highlighted by Matt Ryan. The Falcons look to be a contender for a long time. What really grabbed my attention was when I heard that he was on the Cleveland Browns' grounds crew while Belichick was the coach. Talk about getting your foot in the door anyway you can. Belichick is one to take notice when someone shows the passion and aptitude for football. Since he excels at both coaching and personnel, he can see skills at both. Even if Dimitroff was slaving away on the Cleveland sod, Belichick must have seen something in the kid. He brought Dimitroff to the Patriots, teaming him with Scott Pioli and the rest of the personnel team. The Patriots started a little dynasty, and the light started shining on Dimitroff. The Falcons soon came after him. Nearly every football professional starts low and hopefully climbs the ladder. I had just never heard of one that started on the grounds crew.

I found it a bit humorous to learn that Dimitroff is a vegan. In a profession dominated by carnivores, where "wining and dining" is frequently done at steak houses, Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, was a bit shocked to find his new GM sticking with fries and a shake.