The Houston Texans have signed general manager Rick Smith to a four-year contract extension through 2012.

Since taking over, Smith has helped remold the Texans and put them in a position to compete for a playoff spot for the first time last season.

Making this all the more noteworthy is the fact that Smith is one of only three black GM’s in the NFL, and is paving the way for more in the future with his current success.

Smith said he is very happy with the current situation with the organization and feels the team is on the verge of doing some special things.