BREAKING NEWS: Denver Broncos CEO Greg Penner Issues Public Apology to Fans Amid Turbulent Season and Organizational Challenges
Denver, CO – May 1, 2025 — In a rare and candid address that has resonated deeply across Broncos Country, Denver Broncos CEO and controlling owner Greg Penner issued a formal public apology to fans, acknowledging the organization’s recent struggles, leadership missteps, and ongoing disconnect between expectations and results. The statement, made during a surprise press conference at the team’s headquarters in Dove Valley, marks one of the most direct and transparent admissions of accountability from the Broncos’ ownership in recent memory.
“I want to speak from the heart today,” Penner began, standing alone at the podium without flanking executives or PR staff. “To every Denver Broncos fan who has supported us through thick and thin, I want to sincerely apologize. We haven’t lived up to the standard that this team, this city, and our loyal supporters deserve.”
A Frustrated Fanbase and Mounting Pressure
The apology comes in the wake of yet another underwhelming season for the Broncos, who finished the 2024 campaign with a disappointing 6-11 record. Despite entering the season with renewed optimism under new coaching leadership and promising roster additions, the team struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and late-game collapses that ultimately led to their eighth consecutive year without a playoff appearance.
Fan frustration, already boiling for several seasons, reached a tipping point in recent months as attendance dipped, social media erupted with criticism, and season ticket renewals began to show signs of stagnation. Calls for accountability grew louder—not just for players and coaches, but for those in the highest positions of organizational leadership.
“I understand the anger. I hear the boos. I see the empty seats, and I read the comments,” Penner said. “And the truth is: the buck stops with me.”
An Honest Look at Ownership’s Role
Greg Penner, who became the controlling owner of the Broncos in 2022 as part of the historic $4.65 billion purchase by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, acknowledged that the transition into NFL ownership had been more challenging than expected.
“When we took over, we knew this was a responsibility that extended far beyond business,” Penner said. “The Denver Broncos are a cultural institution, a family tradition, and a cornerstone of this city. That’s not something we ever took lightly. But I also acknowledge that we’ve made mistakes—whether in leadership hires, communication, or execution. And for that, I take full responsibility.”
Penner’s remarks included specific references to the abrupt firing of head coach Sean Payton earlier this offseason—a decision met with both relief and skepticism by fans—and the subsequent search for a new coaching philosophy that aligns with the Broncos’ legacy of tough, smart, competitive football.
“There’s been too much turnover. Too many false starts,” Penner admitted. “We’ve lacked stability in the most important areas—coaching, quarterback play, and front-office cohesion. That instability has undermined our ability to build a winning culture.”
A New Path Forward
Alongside his apology, Penner outlined a multi-tiered plan for organizational renewal aimed at restoring both competitiveness on the field and trust off it. This roadmap includes:
- Front Office Restructuring: A complete overhaul of the Broncos’ football operations department, including the hiring of a new general manager with full roster control and a commitment to long-term vision.
- Culture Reset: Implementation of a leadership training and development program focused on internal cohesion, communication, and accountability across all departments.
- Fan Advisory Board: Formation of a 12-person fan advisory council composed of longtime season ticket holders, former players, and community leaders to provide direct feedback to ownership throughout the season.
- Transparency Initiative: Monthly Q&A sessions between team executives and fans, beginning this summer, to address concerns and improve public communication.
“Change must be more than cosmetic,” Penner said. “We’re done papering over problems. The Broncos need to get back to being the kind of team that’s feared, respected, and admired—and that starts now.”
Community Reaction: A Mixed Yet Hopeful Response
Initial reaction to Penner’s apology has been mixed but largely appreciative of the transparency. On social media, many fans expressed cautious optimism, commending the owner for taking personal responsibility—something that has been lacking in recent years from NFL executives.
“This is the first time in a long time I feel like someone at the top actually gets it,” tweeted longtime Broncos fan Alicia Montoya. “Saying sorry doesn’t fix everything, but it’s a start.”
Others, however, remained skeptical, pointing out that fans have heard similar promises before, only to see the team remain stuck in mediocrity.
“Apologies are nice, but wins are nicer,” said Adam Torres, a season ticket holder of 22 years. “Talk to me in November when we’re 7-2 and playing like it matters again.”
Former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer weighed in during a radio interview, saying, “I know Greg. He’s not a phony. He cares about this team. But this league is ruthless. He needs the right people in place, and he needs to trust them to run football operations without micromanaging.”
Acknowledging the Players and Fans
In his address, Penner also took time to speak directly to the players, many of whom have endured coaching instability, media scrutiny, and a revolving door of offensive systems over the past few seasons.
“To the men in that locker room: you’ve given your all, and you deserve better support from the top down,” he said. “We owe you clarity, consistency, and a chance to succeed.”
Penner made it a point to personally acknowledge the resilience of the Denver fanbase.
“You’ve shown up in snowstorms. You’ve cheered through heartbreak. You’ve worn orange with pride even when we didn’t give you reason to. You are the heart of this franchise. And you deserve a team that reflects your passion and perseverance.”
The Road Ahead
As the Broncos begin preparations for the 2025 season—with a new head coach expected to be announced in the coming weeks and several key roster decisions looming—Penner emphasized that rebuilding the Broncos will not be an overnight process.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “But we are committed to making every mile count.”
NFL insiders suggest that the Broncos are pursuing several high-profile candidates for head coach, including college coaches with innovative schemes and former NFL coordinators with a reputation for player development. The quarterback situation remains fluid, with rumors swirling around a potential trade or high draft pick investment.
Meanwhile, Broncos President Damani Leech and other executives are expected to spearhead a fan engagement tour this summer aimed at reconnecting with communities across Colorado and beyond.
Final Words
As the press conference concluded, Penner offered a final message to the people of Denver and Broncos fans worldwide:
“We’re going to earn your trust back. We’re going to earn your cheers again. And when we hoist that Lombardi Trophy once more, I promise you, it will be because we did it the right way—with grit, unity, and honor.”
Only time will tell whether this moment marks a genuine turning point for the Broncos organization, but one thing is clear: for the first time in years, the voice at the top has spoken—and this time, it’s with humility, urgency, and hope.
