The move has been official for a couple of weeks now, but Wednesday marked the first time that we actually got formally introduced to Martin Mayhew, the new general manager for the Washington Football Team.
Mayhew is an experienced veteran in the business, having served as the GM for the Detroit Lions earlier this century, as well as the VP of Player Personnel for the San Francisco 49ers. He was also a player in the NFL, having won Super Bowl XXVI with Washington as a CB in 1991.
It was first reported that Marty Hurney would become the new GM in Washington, while Mayhew would hold a high-ranking executive role as well. We later learned that it would actually be Mayhew that would hold the GM title, while Hurney will be involved as a high-ranking executive in the front office. Both men have held numerous executive and general manager roles in the NFL before.
Here are some of the top quotes from Mayhew’s introductory press conference:
Rivera announces Eric Stokes has been promoted to a senior personnel role. Joined the team's front office last season
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew says Washington will look at QB situation "very thoroughly" but adds that Alex Smith was impressive going 5-1 in his starts last season. Hurney says "extremely impressed" with Smith and Heinicke
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
New guys talk quarterbacks. Both very complimentary of Alex Smith. pic.twitter.com/pM7b3XiVhD
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew, on what they look for in a franchise QB, said they look for a complete player, but especially his character.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 3, 2021
Mayhew says "it's very personal for him" to return to Washington. "This franchise has really been an important part of my life." Mayhew a part of 1991 Super Bowl team, last Washington team to win more than 10 games
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew on what attracted him to Washington: "I think we're on the cusp of something special."
Marty Hurney says it's a passionate owner who wants to win and provides the necessary resources. pic.twitter.com/3b5PoLzOAv
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) February 3, 2021
Mayhew says "there's no ego" between he and Hurney and the roles are very loosely defined. Goal is a championship.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew said the roles for him Hurney are "very loosely defined" and they will be collaborating with Ron Rivera.
Added Hurney: "The only thing that matters to us is to win games."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 3, 2021
Mayhew says he and Hurney will set the table for Ron Rivera to make final decisions.
Coach-centric folks.— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew learned how a coach-centric approach should work during his time in San Fran. The way Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch were "really tight" showed him how the model can lead to so much success and he's eager to apply that with Ron Rivera
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) February 3, 2021
Mayhew says Washington wants to be "smart and aggressive" to find a QB. Hurney says similar, Washington doesnt want to "mortgage the future"
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew said he didn't believe it was imperative to find a long-term starting QB this year. It could be next year.
"Whenever it is, we're going to get the right guy."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) February 3, 2021
Martin Mayhew calls the Washington GM role his "dream job." That phrase gets thrown around a lot but it seems sincere.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2021
