ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Broncos have chosen the new leader from their front office.
The Broncos announced Wednesday that Denver has agreed with George Paton to become the team’s new general manager.
Paton, formerly the Vikings’ vice president of player staff / assistant general manager, becomes the 15th top manager in Broncos history.
“Early in this process, it became clear why George has been such a sought-after GM candidate for so many years,” said John Elway, president of the football industry. “He is a proven referee who knows all the details of leading football operations. With his experience in all aspects of the job – the college and the professional parties, salary cap, trades, working with the head coach and bringing the staff together – “George is more than ready to succeed in this role. George has waited and worked for the right opportunity, showing that he is smart and serious about winning. We are delighted to nominate George Paton as general manager of the Denver Broncos.”
Paton has spent 14 seasons in Minnesota, including the final nine as the team’s assistant GM. In 2018, he assumed his most recent title as Vice President of Players Staff / Assistant General Manager.
“George is one of the most respected and experienced staff managers in the NFL,” said Joe Ellis, President / CEO. “He is a composite, collaborative leader with a clear vision to build a championship team. He got to know George this past week, his intelligence, work ethic and leadership skills impressed us all. He has worked in the NFL for nearly 25 years. “We are very happy to have George as our new general manager. We are excited to welcome George, his wife Barbara and his children Bella and Beau to the Broncos family.”
During his time at the Vikings, Paton worked closely with general manager Rick Spielman to help build a lineup that has made the playoffs in three of the past six seasons and has won several division titles since 2015.
“It’s an honor to be named general manager of an iconic franchise with a championship tradition like the Denver Broncos,” Paton said. ‘This organization has great resources, great people, a talented young core of players and an excellent coaching staff.
“In many ways, I feel like this team is a sleeping giant. For me, it’s the right place and the right time for this opportunity.
“During this process, I felt a real connection with Joe, John and Vic. It feels like home. We share the same values of winning and doing things the right way.
“Although it’s hard to leave the Vikings, the relationships I enjoy in Minnesota are lifelong. I am sincerely grateful to the Wilf family, Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski, Mike Zimmer and the entire Vikings organization. Thank you for joining us. treated like family.
“I believe in hard work, grinding and not using shortcuts to achieve our goals. Setting up and developing players is the first priority. We will be aggressive, but not reckless, in adding talent to ours. list.
“Our family has heard nothing but wonderful things about Colorado, especially the passionate fans in Broncos Country. Along with my wife Barbara and children Bella and Beau, we are proud to call Denver our home now.
“I can not wait to go to work. Go Broncos!”
The Vikings made six playoff games – with six different backs – and won four overall division titles during Paton’s time in Minneapolis.