WI Native Kelly Kleine – Broncos New Executive Director of Football Operations

Kelly Kleine continues to break down barriers and be a voice, and positive role model, for women in the athletic community.

Sheboygan, WI native, 30-year-old Kelly Kleine has been hired by the Denver Broncos as the “executive director of football operations and special adviser to general manager George Paton”. She is believed to be “the highest-ranking female scouting executive ever with an NFL team”. Kelly is the first woman to ever be in this role.

According to NFL’s website, “Kleine’s debut in Denver follows nine years in Minnesota’s scouting department while working under Paton. Within the Vikings organization, Kleine began as a public relations intern and rose to becoming manager of player personnel and college scouting.” Get the full story here.

"I hope I set a positive example for all women who want to break into football. It is important to show that women belong in sports."

In her senior level scouting & football management position, Kelly Kleine is ready to get to work & inspire other women » https://t.co/4FMnfZ7spz pic.twitter.com/krXkrgBtrt

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 18, 2021

“It is an absolute honor, but I hope someone passes me up soon,” Kleine said, via the team website. “If anything, I hope it does let women know that there are these opportunities across the NFL. You don’t have to play football to work in the NFL. I hope I set a positive example for all women who want to break into football. I want to inspire women to keep growing in the NFL and throughout all of sports. It is important to show that women belong in sports. There have been so many women who paved the way for opportunities in this league and in football. I’m thankful to them, and I want to have the same impact for others.”

Kelly went on to say, “I also want to thank Rick Spielman and everyone at the Vikings for all of their support to help me get to this point — I have been privileged to learn and grow from so many outstanding people with the Vikings. I am ready to get to work and help the Broncos in whatever capacity I can.”

So exciting that women are becoming a larger part of the NFL, and the sports world. It definitely teaches women, of any age, they can exceed the boundaries and go for whatever they want to accomplish!

Cover Photo by Jim Mone/AP Photo