Tag: Damani Leech

Will the Broncos build a new stadium? Greg Penner weighs in

“We’re evaluating options for a new stadium potentially and whether that’s on the current site or somewhere else,” Greg Penner said.

The Denver Broncos had a groundbreaking ceremony for a new headquarters and training facility on Thursday.

At the ceremony, Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner was asked if the team considered building an entertainment district around the facility.

”There are a couple of things,” Penner said of the decision to not have entertainment around the practice facility. “One with just the timing, which is, as we talked about, we’re evaluating options for a new stadium potentially and whether that’s on the current site or somewhere else. We weren’t ready to make that decision at this point.

“The second thing is, some teams do have that (an entertainment district around the facility) with mixed results. I think in certain cases there are positives to having both in one location. There’s also something about coming to a place where, this is where we practice, this is our space.

“Sometimes we’ll have fans, as you all know, and partners here, but it’s really about work and practice. I think sometimes if you combine that with more entertainment, there can be some dangers with that.”

Not much of an update on the team’s stadium status, but Penner did confirm the team is “evaluating options.” Denver started surveying fans about the stadium’s future last year, and there’s been speculation that the ownership group could eventually build a mega stadium with an entertainment district around it.

The team’s current lease at Empower Field at Mile High runs through the 2031 season. With eight more years left at the current stadium, Denver’s brass hasn’t rushed into announcing any future plans. That won’t stop fans and media members from asking about it.

“I’ve been getting the stadium questions since Day 1 about two years ago,” team president Damani Leech said Thursday. “We’ll continue to get that. I think the answer is the same one. It’s a pretty long process. We’re still evaluating everything. Everything’s on the table. We’ll continue to explore it and make a decision at a time that makes sense for us.”

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Damani Leech on Broncos’ new uniforms: ‘I think they’re beautiful’

“It’s not quite as much as your baby being born, but it was little bit like that,” Damani Leech joked about the Broncos’ new uniform.

The Denver Broncos unveiled a new uniform set this spring to mixed reviews. The team’s throwback uniform is universally loved, but there was a lot of negative feedback online for Denver’s new primary uniform.

Four months later, fans seem to have warmed up to the new look. Seeing the uniform worn by players in a game probably helped.

“It was really fun to see them on the field this weekend,” Broncos team president Damani Leech said Tuesday. “It’s not quite as much as your baby being born, but it was little bit like that seeing them out there running around. It was really fun. I rewatched the broadcast after the game to see it. I think they’re beautiful.

“It was really fun to see. It’ll be fun to see how it gets switched up. The players are driving which pants they wear each game. So we’ll take their cues on that, but I think it’ll be great to see. For the Raiders game we’ll wear the throwbacks and that’ll be really special, too.”

Denver has announced which jerseys will be worn for each game this season, but as Leech noted, the players will pick the colors of the pants for each game. This week, the Broncos will wear white jerseys with orange pants at home against the Green Bay Packers (stream the game free). After that, Denver will close out preseason against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 25.

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Broncos’ stadium upgrades include faster Wi-Fi in 2024

The Broncos made more upgrades to their stadium this year, including nearly doubling Wi-Fi access points around Empower Field at Mile High.

Denver Broncos president Damani Leech welcomed media members to Empower Field at Mile High this week to unveil several upgrades to the team’s stadium ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

The team announced a new “Club 1977,” a new Stadium Artist Series, “about a dozen new food items” and an expanded Ring of Fame Plaza. But wait, there’s more! The Wi-Fi will be faster this fall, too.

“For all of us with our phones, laptops and iPads, on gameday Wi-Fi will be enhanced this year,” Leech said Tuesday. “We’re going from 1,400 to 2,400 access points around the stadium, so your Wi-Fi’s going to be faster on game days during the season this year. Really excited about that.”

The Broncos’ ownership group led by Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner previously made $100 million upgrades to the stadium in 2023.

“From Day 1, the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group — particularly Greg as CEO and Carrie — have been just laser-focused on the fan experience and really wanted to deliver upgrades to the fan experience [and] create memories for them on and off the field,” Leech said.

The improved fan experience will include faster Wi-Fi in 2024.

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Damani Leech says Broncos aren’t bidding to host the NFL draft

Contrary to a recent report, Broncos president Damani Leech says the team is not bidding to host the NFL draft.

Two years ago, the Denver Business Journal reported that the Denver Broncos planned to bid to host an upcoming NFL draft.

This spring, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston traveled to Michigan to discuss the logistics of bidding for a draft with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

Earlier this month, The Athletic‘s Joe Person reported that Pittsburgh and Denver were “in the running” to host the 2026 and 2027 drafts (Pittsburgh has since been awarded the 2026 draft).

Less than a week after Person’s update, Eric Fisher of Front Office Sports reported that the Broncos “have submitted a bid” to host in 2027. Charlotte is also interested, but the Panthers did not submit a bid, according to Fisher.

All of the above reporting suggests that Denver and the Broncos are very interested in hosting a future draft, but contrary to Fisher’s report, team president Damani Leech recently told The Denver Post‘s Parker Gabriel that the club has not submitted a bid to host.

“There’s been no official submission on our behalf for hosting the draft,” Leech said. “Now, obviously it’s a major NFL tentpole event and it’s really, really exciting, but it’s not something that we’re currently working on.”

It’s an interesting comment from Leech because it suggests that either previous reports were wildly inaccurate or the Broncos were once actively interested in hosting but are no longer actively pursuing it.

It’s still possible that Denver could host an NFL draft someday in the future, but Leech says there are no immediate plans to host the event.

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Broncos gave little consideration to making throwbacks their primary uniform

“We didn’t entertain those [throwbacks] as a primary closet item really hardly at all,” Broncos president Damani Leech said.

When the Denver Broncos unveiled new primary uniforms last week, they were met with mixed reviews from fans and pundits.

The team’s throwback uniform, however, received overwhelmingly positive support. After the full uniform set was unveiled, team president Damani Leech met the media to discuss the team’s new look.

“Of course, the fan base, a majority of them wanted to keep the same logo — these are uniforms [with the] logo and color that we won three Super Bowls in, so there was a lot of support for that,” Leech said on April 22. “But also, I think pretty closely right behind that was the amount of support for throwback uniforms. The old ‘D’ [logo] and the old colors.

“I think we did a really great job working with Nike on creating something that was really authentic and true to that 1977 ‘Orange Crush’ era, but really with a modern chassis. You will notice that right now it looks really good. You see a lot of photos of our players [in them] and they look good. We’re really excited about how they’re going to look on the field during the season.”

Many fans have suggested the Broncos should make the throwback look their permanent uniform, and Leech acknowledged that sentiment, but he lobbied to keep the throwback as a special occasion uniform.

“I’m not surprised the fans really love the throwbacks,” Leech said. “You hear that sentiment of, ‘We wish we had the throwbacks permanently.’ I love the throwbacks as well, but I also love the modern take on our brand, uniform and colors. I think we have a good mix.

“We’ll be able to wear those throwbacks up to three times [per season], including with our alternate jersey. We can wear that group of uniforms up to three times during the season. So I think fans will be excited when we roll those out. When the schedule comes out, we’ll start working on our uniform schedule and it’ll be really exciting to see it.”

Leech went on to say that the team did not seriously consider making the throwback look the club’s primary uniform.

“That was one of the early sort of design pillars that we had,” he said. “We wanted a modern, fresh new uniform. We wanted to keep the same colors. We wanted to keep the same logo. The feedback from fans, the majority wanted to keep the same logo and colors. So we didn’t entertain those [throwbacks] as a primary closet item really hardly at all.”

NFL teams have to wait at least five years before making major changes to their uniforms. So if there’s still overwhelming support a switch to throwbacks in 2029, the team might revisit the matter.

“We certainly didn’t come into this with the idea that these would be our uniforms forever,” Leech said. “We didn’t put a date on it, either. So we love them right now. I think we’re going to love them for a while. We’ll see.”

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Damani Leech comments on Broncos’ new uniforms

New Broncos uniforms integrate elements of the “past, present and future while paying tribute to Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region.”

The Denver Broncos unveiled new uniforms on Monday that they have dubbed the “Mile High Collection.”

In addition to navy, orange and white combinations for their primary uniforms, the Broncos also unveiled a 1977-inspired throwback uniform (and it seems to be a big fan favorite). After the uniforms were announced on Monday, team president Damani Leech released the following statement:

This has been a thoughtful, collaborative journey that’s involved us listening to voices throughout all of Broncos Country to design the Mile High Collection, our modern and inspirational new uniforms for the Denver Broncos. We’re grateful for the engagement and creativity of ownership, the players, our business and football leadership, Nike and especially the best fans in the NFL during this process.

As we honor the championship tradition of the Broncos, we’re also committed to innovation and growth during such a transformative time in franchise history. Our new uniforms — the Mile High Collection — boldly integrate elements of our past, present and future while paying tribute to Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region we proudly call home.

The new uniforms are now available to purchase online and at the team store at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver will wear dark navy jerseys at home and white jerseys on the road. Alternate and throwback uniforms can be worn up to three times per season. View the new uniforms here.

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Rumors swirl about Broncos’ new uniforms

The Broncos are working on new uniforms and rumors are swirling about the details, including mountains being part of the design.

The Denver Broncos have given few details about their new uniform plans other than acknowledging that a new look is being worked on.

Two years ago, Broncos president Damani Leech said the club aims to balance its history of the uniform that won Super Bowls while also understanding that tastes and style evolve over time. That has led to speculation that Denver could put a modern spin on its current look.

The Broncos have already modified their Color Rush uniform to now include a new alternate white helmet, and the alternate look could get another refresh in 2024. Meanwhile, fans remain eager for information about the new primary uniform. Rumors have started.

Mario Vetanze, a certified posture exercise professional and massage therapist who lists Denver players among his clients, posted a thread on Twitter/X last month detailing some of the changes coming to the new uniforms. A few of those details:

This presumably means that the Broncos are not switching back to the old “D” logo permanently, but instead continuing to use it as an alternate.

More recently, someone who goes by “Brady2024” on Denver’s official forum platform teased additional details that should probably be taken with a grain of salt. Of note:

  • Switching to white helmets permanently
  • Keeping current logo with minor tweak
  • Three new tops and one throwback
  • Blue mountains on the sleeve
  • Subtle 5280 on side of pants

While the above info should be taken with a grain of salt, it’s perhaps notable that another Twitter/X page dedicated to NFL uniforms shared this concept design last week:

The mountains on the shoulders seem to be a running theme. A Reddit user who seemingly connected the dots from the above Twitter/forum posts shared this concept on Reddit as “almost dead on” for the new look:

(r/DenverBroncos on Reddit)

Once again, all of this should be taken in with at least some skepticism. They are only rumors at this point.

Another mockup based on the above info:

For what it’s worth, KOA Radio’s Benjamin Allbright says the mockup design is not a look that has been discussed by the team:

We do know that new uniforms are on the way. We don’t know exactly what they look like, but the above concepts are worth discussing. We should find out more from the team in the coming months.

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Broncos won’t have new uniforms in 2023, but they’re being worked on

The Broncos won’t have new uniforms in time for the 2023 season, but a new look is on the way.

Since becoming the team’s new president one year ago, Denver Broncos executive Damani Leech has received one question more often than any other from fans: When are new uniforms arriving? 

Leech confirmed in July that the Broncos are working on new uniforms, but details are limited on what they will look like and when they will be ready. The front office knows Broncos Country is passionate about the team’s look, though, and they will listen to the fans.

“We did a survey last fall,” Leech said in July. “We had over 10,000 responses to that survey, which right away showed how much passion and interest there was broadly in the thought of our uniforms.” 

Leech spoke in July after the team released a new alternate helmet that was met with mixed — but mostly positive — reviews from fans.

“Fans certainly will tag me on social media, and I was pleased,” Leech said of the helmet’s reception. “I try to avoid reading the comments sometimes, but I was pleased after yesterday’s rollout. You saw a lot of people excited, excited about the [logo], and excited for something new. I think that there is a lot of interest and energy around something new and we will continue to work on it.” 

Many fans have campaigned for the team to return to a throwback look with a light blue helmet and the throwback “D” logo. Leech has acknowledged fan-made uniform concepts on Twitter (now called X), and it’s clear that he wants to respect the team’s tradition while also giving the team a modern look.

Perhaps that’s what the uniform will eventually look like — a modern spin on the team’s classic throwback uniform, similar to the current Color Rush design but with white pants and a light blue helmet.

A new look won’t be ready in time for the 2023 season and we don’t know exactly when the uniforms will be announced, but fans can rest assured that a new design is on the way.

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Broncos got input from players for new alternate helmet

“The uniform is almost like a super suit. When they come out onto the field, what they are wearing should be motivating and inspiring.”

The Denver Broncos will break out a new alternate helmet during the 2023 season this fall.

Last month, the Broncos unveiled a white helmet with a throwback “D” logo. They have dubbed it their “Snowcapped” helmet, a nod to the Rockies.

Denver involved players in the process of choosing a new alternate helmet, and safety Justin Simmons served as a model for photos to show team ownership.

“Our players were very involved,” team president Damani Leech said on July 26. “With our full group of captains. We had several meetings with them, as we said. We showed them color palettes, and ultimately, we narrowed it down to a few. … 

“[They were] heavily involved, and I think it’s important to have them involved. They have to wear it. We talked about how the uniform is almost like a super suit. When they come out onto the field, what they are wearing should be motivating and inspiring to them. It’s important. They have to wear it, so their input is really important.”

The Broncos will wear the new alternate helmet with their existing Color Rush uniforms this fall. The new helmet has received mixed reviews from fans, but nobody will complain if the team wins games with the new look.

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Broncos president Damani Leech says team is working on new uniforms

The Broncos are working on new uniforms with a TBD timeline. “When we are ready to share something, we will certainly be sharing it.”

After the Denver Broncos unviewed a new alternate helmet, fans quickly began asking when new (or at least revamped) uniforms will arrive.

The Broncos hired Damani Leech as their new team president last August and the topic of new uniforms was instantly raised. Since then, Denver has sent a poll to season ticket holders asking for input about the possibility of new uniforms, and Leech has hinted on Twitter that new uniforms are being worked on.

During his pre-camp press conference last week, Leech confirmed publicly for the first time that new uniforms are on the way. There is no timeline for when those uniforms will be unveiled, though.

“We are definitely working on it,” Leech said on July 26. “When fans should expect it is still TBD. For those who know, it’s quite a lengthy process, both with the league and with Nike. Carrie [Walton Penner] has been great in this.

“She led a team of us, and we went up to Beaverton this past spring and spent a day with the Nike folks, talking about concepts, helping them understand what it means to be a Bronco and what we think about our community. We are still working on it and when we are ready to share something, we will certainly be sharing it.”

Those comments seem to suggest that the Broncos will not have new uniforms in time for the 2024 season, but that’s just our interpretation. Many fans have asked for the team to return to the old “D” logo with a lighter throwback blue replacing the current navy blue (similar to this design).

For now, we wait. As Leech said, the team will share new developments when they’re ready. We don’t know the exact timeline, but new uniforms are on the way.

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