Rice, 67, is director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. She was previously mentioned as a nominee for the NFL commissioner and was once linked to a major coaching job for the Cleveland Browns, speculation that she and her team quickly turned her down. She was also an inaugural member of the College Football Selection Committee.
“Her unique experience and exceptional judgment will be of great benefit to our group and the Broncos,” Walton said.
The amount of its investment in the franchise was not disclosed.
“It is an honor to be part of this ownership group,” Rice said in a statement released by the Hoover Institution. “Football has been an integral part of my life from the moment it was introduced to me, and I am delighted to be a part of the Broncos today. I spent many of my younger years in Denver, so being able to combine my love for the game with my love for this great city and team is the adventure of a lifetime.” And a great opportunity.”
Rice became the first black woman to serve as Secretary of State when she succeeded Colin Powell in January 2005. She served until January 2009.
Walton group In June, it agreed to buy Bronco from the Pat Bowlen Trust for $4.65 billion, according to a person familiar with the sale agreement. The transaction remains subject to final approval by fellow team owners.
Walton announced when the deal was closed that Melody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, had agreed to join his proprietary group. Hobson, who is Black, is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Starbucks and Director of JPMorgan Chase.
NFL owners Agreed to a decision in March Endorsing diversity in franchise ownership.