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The National Football League promoted Alberto Riveron, the league's first Hispanic referee, to senior director of officiating.

As reported by the AP, Riveron steps into the newly-created position and will report to new NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino. 

Blandino praised Riveron, saying he did a "tremendous job as a referee and was quickly able to earn the respect of the players and coaches."

Cuban-born Riveron moved to Miami with his family at age 5. Riveron broke into the NFL as a side judge in 2004 and became a referee in 2008. Riveron's last refereeing assignment was in Houston's wild-card victory over Cincinnati in January.

Follow Matt Hughes on Twitter: @hughesmatt