Applause might be heard contained in the owners’ assembly room shortly earlier than the approval was introduced.
Walton known as it “a big, big day for us” and stated at a news convention: “Putting a winning team on the field is our No. 1 priority. We can’t wait to get to Denver, join our new colleagues and get to work.”
Walton, 77, has a internet value of $59.9 billion, based on Forbes, and is among the many world’s 20 wealthiest folks. Approval by the owners had been thought of a mere formality for the reason that deal was struck in early June. The owners on the NFL’s finance committee beforehand really helpful ratification.
“This is a group that is going to be great for the Denver community, [with] their commitment to winning but more importantly their commitment to making sure the Broncos franchise is an important part of the Denver community,” Goodell stated. “So we’re thrilled about that.”
The Broncos’ new possession group contains Walton’s daughter, Carrie Walton Penner, and his son-in-law, Gregory Penner, who was elected the chairman of Walmart’s board of administrators in 2015.
“We’re committed to making sure the Denver Broncos are the best team to play for, to work for and to cheer for,” Walton Penner stated. “We can’t wait to get back tomorrow and get this started.”
Said Rob Walton: “Working together as a family is going to be great fun on this project. It’s a good business, but it’s a fun business, and we’re going to enjoy it. Mostly we’re just honored to steward this historic franchise. We appreciate the opportunity.”
Walton known as the Broncos “the one sports franchise that we would have considered buying” and recalled household conversations in regards to the matter a decade in the past. Penner stated these conversations by no means superior to discussing a attainable purchase with Bowlen.
“We know our fans’ expectations are high,” Penner stated. “And we embrace that. We’re really anxious to get started. And we want to compete, and we want to win.”
Penner known as it “premature” to publicly handle the subject of a possible new stadium for the workforce in Denver, including: “We’ll evaluate all of our options and really dig in and understand the situation before making any decision.”
Investors within the group embody two Black girls: Mellody Hobson, the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and Condoleezza Rice, the previous U.S. Secretary of State.
“We think diverse organizations are more successful organizations,” Walton stated.
The new owners inherit a workforce with a successful historical past, a loyal fan base and a current historical past of on-field frustration. The Broncos have failed to succeed in the NFL playoffs in six straight seasons since successful the Super Bowl to conclude the 2015 season. This offseason, they employed a brand new coach, Nathaniel Hackett, and traded for Russell Wilson, the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
“They’ll have to perform,” Walton stated. “But we think we’ve got the pieces to really fit together and have a great season. We’re very excited.”
Goodell stated the owners spoke throughout Tuesday’s assembly about Bowlen, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who died in 2019.
“He made extraordinary contributions to the league,” Goodell stated. “Many of us talked about it in the room. He’s not just a Hall of Famer. But he was a friend and someone who cared deeply about the league, the Broncos, the Denver community. We’re going to miss him along the way, and his family. But we want to thank them for all that they’ve done for the National Football League. They’ve been extraordinary partners.”