Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Becomes Minority NFL Owner

Courtesy of Black Information Network

The nation’s first African American female Secretary of State is joining the Denver Broncos as a minority owner of the team, CBS Sports reports.

On Monday (July 11), the Broncos announced the addition of Condoleezza Rice to its ownership group. Rice joins the ranks of Mellody Hobson, who became the first Black female NFL owner with her addition to the Broncos last month.

“A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic, and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and better,” Rob Walton, head of the Broncos ownership group, wrote in a statement.

“Her unique experience and extraordinary judgment will be a great benefit to the group and the Broncos organization,” the statement continues.

Walton, a Walmart heir, and his family recently purchased the Broncos during the offseason for a record-breaking $4.65 billion. The Walton-Penner ownership group also includes his daughter Carrie Walton Penner, son-in-law, Greg Penner, and the newly added Hobson, who is also the chairwoman for Starbucks Corporation.

Rice has been loosely connected to the NFL since 2018 when the Browns reportedly expressed interest in the former Secretary of State filling their vacant head coaching position. She is also the daughter of high school football coach John Wesley Rice Jr. and has served on the College Football Playoff Committee.

“It is an honor to be part of this ownership group,” Rice said in a statement following the announcement. “Football has been an integral part of my life since the moment it was introduced to me, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Broncos organization today. I spent much of my younger years in Denver, so to be able to combine my love of the game with my love for this great city and team is an adventure of a lifetime and a great opportunity.”