Tag: Damani Leech

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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Sean Payton criticized more than just Nathaniel Hackett for Broncos’ past struggles

Sean Payton criticized Denver’s (former) coach, the GM and the president for letting Russell Wilson’s QB coach in the facility last year.

Story update: After this post was scheduled, Sean Payton said that he regretted the comments he made. Payton said he should have shown “little more restraint.” See our original post below.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has his own personal quarterbacks coach, Jake Heaps, and he had his own office at the team’s facility last season — topics that proved to be controversial last fall.

A quarterback having his own office to study film isn’t abnormal in the NFL, but when the Broncos were struggling, it became a talking point for fans and pundits who criticized the quarterback.

More alarming was the fact that former head coach Nathaniel Hackett — and everyone in Denver’s front office — allowed Wilson’s personal QB coach to work with him at the team’s facility. The Broncos already had a QB coach on staff (Klint Kubiak), but the team allowed Heaps in the facility anyway.

After new head coach Sean Payton was hired earlier this year, he made it clear that no outside coaches would be allowed in the team’s facility going forward. In a recent interview with USA TODAY‘s Jarrett Bell, Payton criticized not only Hackett but also general manager George Paton and team president Damani Leech for letting Heaps in the building last season.

“That wasn’t [Wilson’s] fault,” Payton told Bell. “That was the parents who allowed it. That’s not an incrimination on [Wilson], but an incrimination on the head coach, the GM, the president and everybody else who watched it all happen.

“Now, a quarterback having an office and a place to watch film is normal. But all those things get magnified when you’re losing. And that other stuff [like personal coaches in the building], I’ve never heard of it. We’re not doing that.”

Payton ripped Hackett in his conversation with Bell and he clearly feels that Paton and Leech also mishandled the 2022 season. Leech was hired by the team’s new ownership group and he’s probably not in danger of being let go, especially because he’s more focused on the business side of the team.

Paton, on the other hand, was inherited by the club’s owners and he is directly responsible for football decisions. Payton’s relationship with the GM will be worth monitoring going forward. Payton and Paton have both said they have a good working relationship, but the coach was clearly critical of the GM when he spoke with Bell.

Perhaps it’s water under the bridge now. The Broncos are moving forward and Payton is doing things his way. If the coach and Paton work well together and win games going forward, the front office’s blunders in 2022 will eventually be forgiven and forgotten.

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Broncos share funny fake uniform on April Fools’ Day, tease alternate helmet

The Broncos shared a fake new uniform concept (April Fools!) and then teased the very real possibility of new alternate helmets for 2023 👀

The Denver Broncos know their fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the possibility of the team getting new uniforms, and they tapped into that anticipation with a spoof video on April Fools’ Day.

The Broncos shared a video on their official Twitter page on Saturday (April 1) showing a uniform concept “designed” by Miles, their mascot.

“It’s your uniform … but worse,” a voice says in the background. The design featured a tail, Crocs instead of cleats and mismatched socks.

“It’s a no for more,” another voice tells the mascot.

Miles did not take the rejection well, kicking a trash can on his way out:

At the end of the video, the Broncos did reward fans who stuck around with some based-in-reality nuggets.

“Good things take time,” team president Damani Leech says before a staffer chimes in to add, “Wait, but Damani, what about the alternate helmets?” The video then cuts off abruptly.

It’s a clever move from the team because fans in Denver will be left wondering if the alternate helmets are also part of the April Fool’s bit. There’s good news on that front — alternate helmets are expected to debut this fall. Well done, Broncos. Well done.

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Broncos president hints that new uniforms are in the works

Broncos president Damani Leech hinted that new uniforms might be on the way.

When he was introduced five months ago, new Denver Broncos president Damani Leech was promptly asked about the status of the team’s uniforms.

“[Y]ou have to try to balance history and tradition and three Super Bowls wearing this uniform, but also understanding that tastes evolve [and] your customer evolves,” Leech said. “Connecting with fans and representing your brand in the best way is important to do. Again, no proclamations on Day 1, but it is also one of those things I certainly will be looking at.”

Two months after Leech became president, the Broncos sent a poll to season ticket holders asking fans for their input on the future of the team’s uniform designs. Denver said there would be a one- to two-year “exploration process” before making a decision on potential new uniforms.

Broncos fans seem to have a general consensus that a refreshed spin on their classic light-blue helmets with a “D” logo and orange jerseys is the best possible uniform for Denver.

When Broncos fan Kenny Nagel ll tweeted a fan-made uniform concept to Leech on Sunday, the president replied “Working on it Kenny!”

We should be careful to not read too much into a simple tweet. This does not mean the Broncos are making an exact replica of the above design, but it might hint that Leech is leaning toward a modern spin on the throwback look with a switch back to the “D” logo.

It would be a short turnaround for Denver to have a new uniform ready for the 2023 season, but it’s possible that a new look could potentially arrive in 2024. Whether it’s in 2024 or sometime shortly thereafter, it seems fair to assume the Broncos are working on a new uniform.

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Broncos president comments on uniform and stadium statuses

“You have to try to balance history and tradition and three Super Bowls wearing this uniform, but also understanding that tastes evolve.”

After the Denver Broncos were acquired by a new ownership group led by Rob Walton, the club brought in Damani Leech to serve as the new team president.

The first order of business for the new ownership group was approving a five-year contract extension for quarterback Russell Wilson. After that, the next big items on deck for the team’s front office are the status of the stadium and Denver’s uniforms.

As team president, Leech will be heavily involved in the business and marketing side of the team, including uniform decisions. Leech was asked about the possibility of new uniforms during his introductory press conference last week.

“If there is a theme across our 32 [teams] — and you hear this across sports, not just football — is there is a tendency for clubs to do things the same way,” Leech said. “The organizations who have been really successful from a business standpoint have had a growth mindset and an innovation mindset. Have zigged when others have zagged. [It] doesn’t always work, but definitely take chances to try to connect with fans in new and unique ways and that’s always. That’s no more important now than it’s ever been with all the different opportunities that fans have for entertainment, not just sports entertainment.

“I definitely have that approach and that mindset to it. I think uniforms is a good example of that, where you have to try to balance history and tradition and three Super Bowls wearing this uniform, but also understanding that tastes evolve, your customer evolves, connecting with fans and representing your brand in the best way is important to do. Again, no proclamations on Day 1, but it is also one of those things I certainly will be looking at.”

It’s too late for the Broncos to make any big uniform changes for 2022 and it’s probably also unlikely for 2023, but a potential refresh (or maybe even a full redesign) could be in store for the 2024 season.

Leech was also asked about the team’s stadium and he echoed what the new ownership group has already said: it’s too early to talk about a new stadium.

“First of all, Empower Field at Mile High is a first-class facility,” Leech said. “It not only hosts amazing NFL games, but concerts and other events and it is a core part of this community. There are a number of things that I will be looking at as I take over in this organization, obviously the stadium is one of them. On Day 1, I don’t have any proclamations to make, but it is certainly something that I will be evaluating.”

So while fans shouldn’t necessarily expect any big announcements any time soon, it’s clear that the stadium and uniforms are topics that the new front office plans to discuss in the coming months.

There’s a lot of new for the Broncos this year — a new owner, a new head coach and a new quarterback. More notable changes could eventually be on the way, just not before the 2022 season.

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