Contact:
Chris Widmaier
212-450-2066
widmaierc@nfl.com

NEW YORK, October 7 -- Chris Russo has been named senior vice president of new media for NFL Enterprises, it was announced today by Ron Bernard, president of NFL Enterprises to whom Russo will report.

In his new position, Russo’s primary focus will be the development of the NFL’s Internet programming and online media properties. Presently these include NFL.com, the league’s official website, an online NFL shop and Superbowl.com. NFL.com currently is the third most popular sports site on the Internet as traffic has soared by 50% with more than two million unique users a month according to Media Metrix.

Russo has been executive vice president, franchise programming and marketing for New Line Television. Joining New Line in 1995, Russo developed and produced entertainment and sports programming for New Line Television and managed all marketing activities for the division.

"The Internet and new media is a tremendous growth area for the NFL moving into the next century," said NFL President Neil Austrian. "We expect Chris to be a dynamic addition to our staff."

"With the proprietary content available to the league, NFL.com is truly in a unique position to deliver a one-of-a-kind fan experience," said Bernard. "With the addition of Chris, our Interactive team will continue to build the best site to serve our enormous fan base."

Prior to New Line Cinema, Russo worked at NBC where he rose to vice president of marketing. He was instrumental in building strategic partnerships and businesses to highlight the NBC brand and generate new revenue streams for the network.

Russo, 34, gained his BA from Northwestern University and secured an MBA from Harvard University. A resident of Manhattan, he is married and has two children.

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