Sean Payton feels ‘fortunate’ to have Broncos ownership always around

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was traded to the team in January of 2023.

The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group bought the Broncos in June of 2022, with the sale becoming official in August of that year.

Broncos CEO Greg Penner fired Nathaniel Hackett after a disastrous 15 games in 2022, so Sean Payton is his one and only true hire thus far as a head coach.

And right now, the relationship appears to be working great.

Denver made the playoffs a season ago, going 10-7 with rookie QB Bo Nix after moving on from Russell Wilson. Heading into this season, Payton says they can’t be afraid to talk about the Super Bowl, so expectations are very high.

After the team’s first official 2025 training camp practice on Friday, Payton was asked what he values most about Penner. Specifically, that he always seems to be around the team. Penner was on the field on Friday, observing the work the Broncos were putting in.

“Yeah, he’s out here a lot. I really enjoy it. There was a little gap here in the offseason where we didn’t see each other, but yeah, we communicate daily,” Payton said.

When the Broncos were in the Pat Bowlen Trust, things were in flux. Former CEO Joe Ellis ultimately decided to sell the team, along with the two other members of the trust, and it turned out to be a great decision.

The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group invested $4.65 billion in the Broncos, and they want to be involved every step of the way.

“It’s nice, it’s good to have when your owner is in the building and very present. I think both he and Carrie (Walton-Penner) are. We’re fortunate that way,” Payton said.

Sean Payton after first day of Broncos camp practice in front of fans says Broncos are fortunate to have such involved owners. pic.twitter.com/mUYmLxnHGr

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) July 25, 2025

It’s very clear the relationship between Sean Payton and ownership is strong. That’s important, with everyone being on the same page.

And if that can help lead to a fourth Lombardi Trophy, Broncos Country will be elated.

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