The new Denver Broncos’ owners are making changes at the top. The team tapped former NFL executive Damani Leech to be its next president Thursday.
Leech has a long history of working in sports. After graduating from Princeton University — where he was a student-athlete — he started working for the NCAA. Leech spent 17 years in the NCAA national office before joining the NFL in 2015. Leech initially served as the vice president of football strategy and business development. He was promoted to senior vice president of football strategy and business development in 2018. Over the past three years, Leech has worked as the COO of NFL International.
In a statement, new team owner and CEO Greg Penner spoke highly of Leech’s reputation within the game.
“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.”
The hire makes Leech one of three Black team presidents in the NFL. Washington Commanders president Jason Wright was the first to hold that role after he was hired by the team in 2020. The Las Vegas Raiders named Sandra Douglass Morgan as their team president in July.
Leech’s hire comes days after the Broncos were sold to a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton.