Tag: Rob Walton

Broncos owners won’t interfere with football decisions

Denver’s new ownership group won’t interfere with football decisions, allowing Broncos GM George Paton to manage the roster.

The Denver Broncos have a new ownership group with Walmart heir Rob Walton serving as the majority owner and Greg Penner stepping into chief executive officer duties as a co-owner.

The ownership group will have the final say on everything, but they’ll focus primarily on the business side of the team. Walton won’t become the new Jerry Jones — Denver’s ownership group doesn’t plan to interfere with the team’s roster decisions.

“We’re big believers in empowering people,” Penner said last week. “We love football … but we’re not going to be calling plays. We’re not going to be drafting players. We’re going to empower this team led by George Paton and Nathaniel Hackett to make those key decisions. Obviously, part of this fun is learning and understanding and all of that but we’re going to be [making the football decisions]. They’re going to make the football decisions.”

Paton will still be in charge of the team’s roster decisions and the owners will aim to give him the resources required to compete for titles. That certainly sounds like a recipe for success.

“The big vision is that we want to win football championships,” Penner said. “We want to do it in the right way. The first place you have to start is with the people. And on the football side, we couldn’t be more excited about what we have, with George, Nathaniel, Russell [Wilson] in place.”

It seems that Walton will have a pretty hands-off approach, with Penner handling the day-to-day duties while serving as the face of the ownership group. Walton is ultimately the controlling owner, though, and he has one goal in mind.

“Our number one priority is putting a winning team on the field to win Super Bowls for Broncos Country,” Walton said.

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Garett Bolles eager for Walton-Penner group to build on Bowlen legacy

“The Walton-Penner group are going to come in here and take what the Bowlen family has done and just continue to run with it and build it.”

The Denver Broncos finally cleared the last legal hurdle of the ownership battle when the NFL unanimously approved the sale of the team to the Walton-Penner group earlier this month. The group — comprised of personalities such as Walmart heir Rob Walton, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton — are now the fifth ownership in team history.

Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles was effusive in his praise of the group, saying that they are going to build on the winning legacy of late former owner Pat Bowlen.

“[The Bowlen family] changed this whole city, and they changed this organization,” Bolles said earlier this summer. “The Walton-Penner group are going to come in here and take what the Bowlen family has done and just continue to run with it and build it.”

In their introductory press conference as a new ownership group, owner Greg Penner addressed the expectations that are in place.

“The Broncos are an iconic franchise that means so much to Denver, Colorado and the whole region,” Penner said. “Following in the footsteps of Pat Bowlen and Joe Ellis, are no small feat. Our Broncos fans have high expectations, we know that, and we embrace it. We believe that a winning team and organization require the right people, high expectations, the necessary resources, and accountability. We are committed to that, and we are going to draw on this diverse ownership group to succeed.”

While the group begins to wet their feet in the day-to-day operations of the team, Bolles expressed excitement for the future.

“I’m looking forward to all the amazing memories and all the amazing things that we are going to do and accomplish, both on the field and off the field.”

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Broncos have ‘no immediate plans’ to add members to ownership group

Broncos have ‘no immediate plans’ to add Peyton Manning or John Elway to their new ownership group.

The Denver Broncos’ new ownership group led by Rob Walton, Greg Penner and Carrie Penner has added three minority investors: Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice and Lewis Hamilton.

Two other high-profile candidates are believed to be interested in joining the team’s ownership group, but Penner said Wednesday that nothing is imminent.

“At this point, we don’t have anything to add or share on that,” Penner said when asked about potential additions to the ownership group. “No immediate plans.”

John Elway has publicly stated that he would be interested in joining ownership, but he remains an outside consultant. ESPN reported in June that Peyton Manning was a candidate to join the team in an advisor role that could eventually lead to “equity in the franchise.”

Neither Elway or Manning are set to join ownership, though, at least not right now, but both former quarterbacks remain closely connected to the team.

“We are in a terrific position of having two great Broncos, they were both out here [at practice] today, and it’s been fantastic to spend some time with them,” Penner said Wednesday. “John Elway is the ultimate Bronco. He won championships as both a player and an executive. I have had a chance to visit with him and look forward to learning as much from him as possible.

“Peyton is one of the greatest NFL players of all time — obviously, won a championship here. We have had a chance to get to know him through the process as well. We are just going to learn from both of them. I think it is going to be a really good relationship.”

Regardless of whether or not they get official titles, it seems clear that both Elway and Manning aim to help the team any way they can going forward.

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Broncos owners make first hire, name Damani Leech team president

Broncos have named Damani Leech team president. George Paton will continue to run football operations — Leech will handle the business side.

The Denver Broncos’ new ownership group wasted no time making changes in the team’s front office.

Denver has hired Damani Leech as the new team president, Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner announced Thursday. He will report to Penner, who released the following statement:

“As we sought to identify a dynamic, forward-thinking and inspiring leader to guide the Broncos into this exciting new chapter, Damani stood out among several very qualified candidates,” Penner said. “There was a high degree of interest in this opportunity with the Broncos, which speaks to the reputation of this organization and Damani’s strong credentials.

“Damani is highly regarded throughout the National Football League for his leadership, strategic vision and collaborative spirit. As a former college player with executive experience at both the NFL and NCAA levels, Damani understands the value of teamwork and knows what it takes to win — on and off the field. Most importantly, he leads with integrity, empathy and respect. I’m confident Damani will help the Broncos grow across all areas of our business and make our staff, partners and fans proud of this organization.”

Leech will not be directly involved in the team’s football operations. He is not replacing former president of football operations John Elway — he’s replacing former team president/CEO Joe Ellis, who stepped down from that role after new ownership took over earlier this week.

Leech, like Ellis before him, will be primarily responsible for managing the business side of the team, including the club’s stadium operations.

“It is a tremendous honor to join Broncos Country during such an exciting time for one of the premiere franchises in all of sports,” Leech said. “Greg and the other partners are visionary leaders, and the trust they have shown in me is deeply humbling. I’m thrilled to support our world-class ownership, leadership team and staff on this journey to drive innovation and growth throughout every area of the Denver Broncos.

“With a championship history and heritage, the Broncos are a remarkable organization that has a special connection with its fans and community. Speaking with George Paton during this process, it’s clear that this team is positioned to succeed on and off the field. I can’t wait to work alongside ownership, George, Coach [Nathaniel] Hackett, the players and staff to help this flagship franchise reach the next level of greatness.”

Before joining the Broncos, Leech served as the chief operating officer of NFL International from 2019-2022. He’s been an executive with the NFL since 2015 after having served in the NCAA’s national office for 17 years.

Going forward, Penner will serve as the team’s day-to-day owner and CEO under majority owner Rob Walton. Paton will continue to run the team’s football operations under Penner while Leech runs the business side.

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Meet the new Broncos ownership group

The Bowlen era has come to an end. Here are the Broncos’ new owners.

The Bowlen era has come to an end in Denver.

NFL owners met Tuesday and unanimously voted in favor of a new Broncos ownership group led by Rob Walton, who agreed to pay $4.65 billion to the Bowlen family to purchase the team earlier this summer.

The late Pat Bowlen bought the team from Edgar Kaiser Jr. for $70 million in 1984. Denver’s NFL franchise went on to win three Super Bowls under Bowlen’s leadership before he died in 2019 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

After Bowlen’s death, the team was run by a trust led in part by team president/CEO Joe Ellis. Bowlen’s children could not agree on a controlling owner among them, so the trust put the team up for sale earlier this year.

Tuesday’s approved sale marks the end of the Bowlen ownership era. Here’s a quick look at the team’s new ownership group that will be led by Walton starting this season.

NFL owners approve new Broncos ownership group

Official: NFL owners have approved the new Broncos ownership group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton.

It’s finally official.

NFL owners met on Thursday to vote on the Denver Broncos’ new ownership group and — as expected — the group has been approved, unanimously.

Rob Walton is the group’s leader and he will become the team’s new controlling owner. With an estimated net worth of about $60 billion, Walton instantly becomes the wealthiest owner in the NFL.

Walton will be the majority owner but his son-in-law, Greg Penner, and Walton’s daughter, Carrie Walton-Penner, are expected to handle most of the team’s day-to-day ownership duties.

In addition to the Walton-Penner family, the group has also added three minority owners so far: businesswoman Mellody Hobson, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. Peyton Manning is also believed to be a candidate to join the team as an advisor.

The first order of business for the new ownership group will likely be giving quarterback Russell Wilson a contract extension. Walton might also consider the possibility of a new stadium, and starting next year, the team might also consider updating their uniforms.

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Brittany Bowlen steps down from role with Broncos ahead of new ownership takeover

Following the departure of Brittany Bowlen, one member of the Bowlen family remains on staff: Patrick Bowlen III is still listed as the facilities coordinator on the Broncos’ website.

The Bowlen era is officially coming to an end in Denver.

The Broncos reached a purchase and sale agreement with a new ownership group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton last month, and the sale is expected to become official in early August.

Once the sale does become official, Walton will become the team’s new controlling owner, and the family of late owner Pat Bowlen will relinquish their shares.

Before the team decided on a sale, one of Bowlen’s daughters, Brittany, was being groomed to become the next controlling owner. Not all of the siblings were in agreement, though, so the team moved toward a sale instead of appointing Brittany — or one of her siblings — as the new owner.

Brittany had been serving as the team’s senior vice president of strategy, but she stepped down from that role last month after Walton’s group reached an agreement with the Broncos.

“I recently made the decision to step down from my position at the Broncos,” she said in a statement Thursday. “During my time, I thoroughly enjoyed working in the team’s front office and feel fortunate to have worked alongside such a talented and supportive group of people.

“I wish the Walton-Penner Family Ownership all the best as they embark on the next chapter of this organization’s storied history.”

With Brittany no longer employed by the team, one member of the Bowlen family remains on staff: Patrick Bowlen III is still listed as the facilities coordinator on the team’s website.

Condoleezza Rice joins Broncos’ new ownership group

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is joining the Broncos’ new Walton-Penner ownership group.

The Denver Broncos’ (pending) new ownership group continues to grow.

The team announced Monday that Condoleezza Rice is joining the ownership group as a minority investor. The club released the following statement on behalf of the Walton-Penner ownership group:

We’re pleased to welcome former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to our ownership group. A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make sport stronger and better.

She is the daughter of a football coach and served on the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee. She moved to Denver with her family when she was 12 years old and went on to attend the University of Denver for both college and graduate school. Her unique experience and extraordinary judgment will be a great benefit to our group and the Broncos organization.

As the team’s statement noted, Rice has a strong connection to Denver and she’s a huge football fan. Rice was even linked to the head coach job with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, although she denied the reports that she was a candidate for that job.

Rich is the second Black woman to join the team’s ownership group, joining accomplished businesswoman Mellody Hobson.

The Walton-Penner group has not yet officially purchased the team — the sale has to be approved by at least 24 of the league’s 32 ownership groups — but that approval is expected to arrive later this summer. In the meantime, the ownership group could continue to grow, and Peyton Manning is a candidate to join the team in an advisory role.

The Broncos are aiming to have the new ownership group approved before the NFL’s regular season begins in September.

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Broncos ownership group will match energy of coach Nathaniel Hackett

“Their excitement and their energy is definitely going to match me, and that’s awesome,” Nathaniel Hackett said of the new ownership group.

Nathaniel Hackett, the Denver Broncos’ new head coach, has been praised by players this offseason as an enthusiastic, high-energy coach. Hackett even gets into it with players at practice with good-natured smack talk.

In addition to a new coach, the Broncos are also poised to have a new ownership group ahead of the 2022 season. The (pending) new group is led by Walmart heir Rob Walton and his son-in-law, Greg Penner, and Walton’s daughter, Carrie Penner.

The sale of the team is not quite official (it’s pending approval from NFL owners), but the Walton-Penner group has already spoken with Hackett, and he believes they’re going to match his energy with the Broncos.

“I’ve had a couple of conversations with them,” Hackett said on June 13. “They are absolutely fantastic people across the board [with] everyone I’ve talked to. I have a lot of excitement, as we all know, and a lot of energy. It’s great to hear that on the other end of the phone also. Their excitement and their energy is definitely going to match me, and that’s awesome.”

The Walton-Penner group will need at least 24 of the NFL’s 32 ownership groups to vote in favor of the sale at a special owner’s meeting this summer. The sale is expected to be approved in time for the 2022 season.

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Russell Wilson says player-owner relationships are critical in the NFL

“In today’s age of football, that relationship between players and owners is so critical,” Broncos QB Russell Wilson said.

Judging from the way the QB’s exit was handled, it seems safe to assume Seattle Seahawks management didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Russell Wilson.

Now with the Denver Broncos, Wilson hopes to have a good working relationship with the team’s (pending) new owners. Rob Walton has agreed to buy the team and he’ll be the new controlling owner with Walton’s son-in-law, Greg Penner, and Walton’s daughter, Carrie Penner, handling the day-day-day owner duties in Denver.

Wilson has already spoken with all three top members of the team’s ownership group and he came away with a great first impression.

“It’s an honor to be able to do that in the first place,” Wilson said on June 13. “In today’s age of football, that relationship between players and owners is so critical because we’re playing for ourselves and our families, but we’re also playing for them, too. We’re playing for this whole city.

“To be able to have that bond and that kind of relationship — you notice it a lot in basketball, particularly, with some of the ownership groups. There are some in football, too. That’s been important. Me and Ciara owning a soccer team, it’s important to have those bonds with people. They do a tremendous job so far with that.”

Wilson, much like former quarterback Peyton Manning, is the face of the franchise going forward, and while ownership and the front office will make the final decisions, Wilson will be consulted and kept in the loop. That’s the kind of relationship he was seeking, and it looks like he’ll get it with the Broncos.

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