When Greg Penner and his group took over ownership of the Denver Broncos in 2022, they made one thing crystal clear: they were here to win, and win big. Penner, along with the new ownership team, didn't just step into the role—they poured resources into the franchise, both on and off the field, setting the stage for what they hope will be a return to glory for the Broncos.
One of the first major moves was bringing in the seasoned and highly respected Sean Payton as head coach. Payton's track record with the New Orleans Saints, where he turned a struggling team into a perennial playoff contender, was exactly what the Broncos needed. The ownership group didn’t hesitate to back their decision with the necessary funds, offering Payton a hefty contract and making sure he had everything he needed to succeed.
The Broncos' new ownership group isn’t just about talk; they’ve backed up their ambition with cold, hard cash. Whether it's inking big contracts for key free agents or investing in state-of-the-art facilities, Penner and his team have been laser-focused on creating a winning culture in Denver. And they’re not interested in taking their time doing it.
As Broncos president Damani Leech put it during the unveiling of the latest renovations to Empower Field at Mile High, "I think [there are] two things to me that are really apparent about our ownership group. I think first and foremost, there’s a commitment to winning. They want to be successful on the field. I think you’re seeing that in the investments both from a staff standpoint as well as from a player standpoint. They want to win, they want to win now as Greg has used the [phrase], he’s very impatient."
Commitment to Winning
From the get-go, Penner and his team have shown that they are not content with mediocrity. The Broncos have languished since their Super Bowl 50 victory, but this new ownership is determined to turn the tide. By hiring Payton and ensuring he has all the tools he needs—whether it's assistant coaches, player acquisitions, or advanced analytical resources—they've sent a strong message: winning is not just a goal, it’s an expectation.
This commitment to winning isn’t just about making the right hires or spending money on big-name players. It’s about fostering a culture where every detail is scrutinized, every opportunity to improve is seized. The Broncos’ ownership is impatient, yes, but it’s an impatience that fuels progress. It’s about pushing the envelope, challenging the status quo, and constantly striving for excellence.
Elevating the Fan Experience
But it’s not just the on-field product that Penner and his group are focused on. They’re just as committed to ensuring that Broncos fans have the best experience possible, whether they’re cheering from the stands or watching from home. "I think the second [thing] is the commitment to the fans," Leech continued. "Right away, as we saw last year, ‘What can we do to make the fan experience better here on gamedays?’ It really pushed us to be really thoughtful about it. Not just what we’re doing, but why are we doing it, and we expect to continue to see that here every year.”
This commitment has already translated into tangible improvements. Last year, fans got to enjoy several upgrades at the stadium, from improved concessions to more comfortable seating and enhanced in-game entertainment. The ownership group’s focus on the fans isn’t just about making gameday more enjoyable; it’s about creating a connection, a sense of community, and a shared passion for the team. After all, a football team isn’t just about the players on the field—it’s about the fans in the stands, the people who wear the team colors with pride, and who live and die by every play.
The Payton Factor
Of course, all the investment in the world won’t mean much if the team doesn’t deliver on the field. That’s where Sean Payton comes in. When Payton took the helm, expectations were high. Here was a coach who had led the Saints to a Super Bowl win, a coach who was known for his offensive genius and his ability to get the best out of his players.
In his first year, Payton didn’t quite turn the Broncos into the powerhouse that fans were hoping for. The team finished with an 8-9 record, falling just short of a winning season. But even that was a step in the right direction—it was the Broncos’ best record since 2016. More importantly, it was a sign that the team was moving in the right direction, that Payton’s influence was starting to take hold.
As the Broncos head into the 2024 season, the pressure is on to take the next step. There will undoubtedly be challenges, especially with a rookie quarterback leading the charge. But if there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that the ownership group’s commitment to winning is unwavering. They’ve given Payton the keys to the kingdom, and now it’s up to him to drive the team to success.
High Expectations for the Future
The 2024 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Broncos. With a year under his belt, Payton will be looking to build on the progress made in 2023. The team’s roster has been bolstered through savvy free-agent signings and a strong draft class, and the ownership’s investments in the team’s infrastructure have created an environment where success can flourish.
But with high expectations comes high pressure. The Broncos’ ownership group isn’t interested in waiting for a long-term rebuild. They want results, and they want them now. That sense of urgency is palpable, and it’s something that everyone in the organization feels.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Broncos to see if they can live up to the hype. Will Payton’s coaching prowess translate to more wins? Will the young quarterback rise to the occasion and become the leader the team needs? And will the investments made by Penner and his team pay off on the field?
Final Thoughts
What’s clear is that the Denver Broncos are a team on the rise, fueled by a new ownership group that is passionate, committed, and unafraid to take bold steps to achieve their goals. With Sean Payton at the helm and a roster that’s brimming with potential, the future looks bright for Broncos fans.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying that the Broncos are one of the most intriguing teams to watch as we head into the 2024 season. The stakes are high, the expectations are higher, and the potential for a return to glory is very real.
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