Shortly after officially taking over ownership of the Denver Broncos, the Walton Penner Group turned its attention to filling the front office. As first-time owners in the professional sports world, the Walton/Penner Group has done a good job of surrounding talented individuals who are particularly knowledgeable about sports and football, many of whom are in some way associated with Colorado. I have.
At a press conference today, CEO Greg Penner named Damani Leach as the Broncos’ new Team President, replacing outgoing Joe Ellis. Penner said Damani “was outstanding”, but also emphasized the organization’s reputation and the talent of its incoming president.
“When seeking to identify a dynamic, positive and inspiring leader to lead the Broncos into this exciting new chapter, Penner wrote in a statement: “This organization’s reputation and Damani’s strong credentials Opportunity with the Broncos to tell the story.
“Damani is recognized throughout the National Football League for his leadership, strategic vision and collaborative spirit. As a former collegiate player with executive experience at both the NFL and NCAA levels, Damani is an expert in teamwork. He understands the values and knows what it takes to win, both on and off the field.Most importantly he leads with integrity, empathy and respect. We are confident that our staff, partners and fans will be proud of this organization.
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Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
At Reach, the Broncos have acquired highly regarded executives with 25 years of experience in the NCAA and NFL who have the drive and ability to propel the team forward as it enters an exciting new era on and off the field. I’m here. Fans may be surprised that the roles of franchise icons John Elway and Peyton Manning are unprecedented, but under new owners, the Broncos are impeccably qualified and fresh. We have acquired experienced candidates with ideas from outside the organization.
Leach’s hiring comes in line with a press conference held Wednesday at UCHealth Training Canter, where Rob Walton emphasized the importance of staff diversity. Leach’s resume is objectively impressive.
Princeton was educated, graduating with a BA in Public Policy and International Affairs, and also played football for the Tigers. Leach was safely a three-time All-Ivy League player, was named a third-team All-American, and ranked second in school history with 20 career interceptions for the Tigers.Indiana University in Bloomington I have a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Management.
But Leach has a mission beyond the playing field, spending 17 years in the NCAA from 1998-2015. First, he was named Associate Director of Membership Services in his 1999, a position he has served for nearly four years.
In 2004, Leach was appointed Director of Baseball and Soccer, where he served for nine years, before being appointed Managing Director of Championships and Alliances in 2013. During his time at the NCAA, Leach said that FCS he “provided strategic supervision and direction” at multiple of his NCAA championships, including football, baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s ice hockey.
Leach played a key role in promoting the FCS Playoffs and College World Series, negotiating contracts with host cities, and coordinating committees to ensure the smooth running of various NCAA events. In 2014 he sports business journal The “40 Under 40” list highlights established associations or non-profit professionals under the age of 40. He also received the NFL Commissioner’s Award for helping launch the league office’s Black Engagement Network in 2018.
After 17 years at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, Leach has played a variety of roles in the NFL for nearly seven years and his star continues to shine. In 2015 he was appointed Vice President of Football Strategy and Business Development and in 2018 he was appointed Senior Vice President of Football Strategy and Business Development, responsible for developing strategic priorities for the future of the game domestically and internationally. . ,” through many programs and initiatives.
In 2019, Leach was also named Chief Operating Officer of NFL International, and has focused attention on the game’s growth overseas over the past few seasons. He led and oversaw the launch of the innovative International Home His Market Area program, which was launched in 2021.
Reach is part of a strong effort to raise the profile of the sport by promoting the presence of flag football at the 2028 Olympics, with a decision due later this year by the International Olympic Committee. In fact, growing the sport, gaining new fans, and growing the international side of the business to his billion dollar mark over the next decade is an essential part of the NFL International strategy and reach. was a trailblazer in his NFL efforts.
But what excites Broncos Country most is perhaps Leach’s own words, making a strong reference to the positive nature of the new owner.
“For one of the premier franchises in all of sports, we are extremely honored to be joining Broncos Country at such an exciting time,” Leach said in a statement. [Penner] My other partners are visionary leaders and the trust they have shown me is immensely humble. I would like to thank the Denver Broncos for their world-class ownership and leadership team in this journey of driving innovation and growth in all areas. , and I am pleased to support the staff.
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“The Broncos, with their championship history and heritage, are a remarkable organization with a special connection to their fans and community. Speaking with George Payton during this process, I can see how this team is positioned to succeed on and off the field. I can’t wait to work with the owners, George, Hackett, players and staff to help this flagship franchise reach the next level of greatness.”
Since 2014, Ellis has held the role of both CEO and President of the Broncos, spending 27 seasons with the team in various capacities. Perhaps Ellis’ lasting legacy is his careful management of the team at the Pat Bowlen Trust and his handover of the team to the Walton Penner Group, which achieved record sales for a North American sports team. important role.
“As I step down as president and CEO, it has been a once-in-a-lifetime honor and privilege to be a part of the Denver Broncos for 27 seasons. We are forever grateful to our players, coaches – one of the best organizations in all of sports.
It was then announced that Ellis would assume an advisory role to the Broncos’ new ownership group, along with the team for the 2022 season, a commitment that the Walton Penner Group would surround itself with the right people and put them in the best possible shape. further shows position to succeed.
But the move to make Leach president represents some kind of deviation in the Broncos’ ownership structure. As president, Leach answers directly to Penner with Patton. Leach will be responsible for the business operations of the Broncos, while the Stadium Management Company will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stadium.
Leach will also be responsible for “maintaining a presence at both the UCHealth Training Center and the Mile High Empowerment Field” and working with the Ownership Group and Broncos management.
A more international focus?
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
Given Leach’s background in growing the sport of football internationally, it would not be surprising to see the Broncos grow their brand internationally and offer more opportunities with their recently introduced international home marketing area. There is none. In December, the Broncos, along with his eight other NFL teams, were awarded Mexico as their international home marketing area. On October 30, the team will travel to London for the first time in his 12 years to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a week. Played eight times overseas.
The Broncos becoming more aggressive in emerging markets such as China, Brazil, Ghana and Australia, as well as other regions such as Germany and the UK, may be under Reach’s control, but this remains to be seen for now. I am still unable to do so.
Not anytime soon, but the prospect of losing a home game to an international match could shake some parts of Broncos country. Navigating a fanbase is often a delicate undertaking, but with the current NFL season getting longer and new opportunities in overseas marketing opportunities, it’s time to grow the Broncos country and reach out to more people around the world. This is your chance to inspire a lot of people. To love the sport of American football and find solace in the fandom of the best team, the Broncos.
Teams must adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by the international market, and there is a sense that this was an area neglected under the previous administration.
I won’t mention the late Pat Bowlen, but he was not only the best owner in professional sports, he did a great job building the Broncos’ profile across the country and played a pivotal role in the conversion. sunday night football to its status today as the premier game of the week. Bowlen’s legacy will be remembered as the Walton Penner era of Broncos ownership begins, but perhaps the best way to build on Pat’s body of work is to raise the profile of the team abroad. So Denver has the talent, the drive, and the ability to not only make the club relevant, but lead the NFL in that regard.
At this point, it’s unclear when Reach will be officially introduced, but rumors say it will be at some point next week. deaf.
In Reach, however, the Broncos have a good recruit with a lot of potential.
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