Former Broncos QB Brian Griese Finds New Purpose in Coaching and Sustainability

Griese is using his platform to help athletes speak out on important issues and find solutions to real-world problems.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Brian Griese, a former Pro Bowl quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has transitioned from coaching in the NFL to pursuing a fellowship at Stanford University focused on sustainability. Griese found that while he loved coaching, he felt he could make a bigger impact by helping athletes use their platform to address important issues. He is now working to find solutions to real-world problems and empower athletes to speak out on causes they care about.

Why it matters

Griese's story highlights how former athletes can leverage their experiences and influence to drive positive change beyond just sports. His shift from coaching to sustainability and community work shows how sports can be a vehicle for addressing broader societal challenges.

The details

After a successful NFL career, Griese spent two years as a quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers. However, he felt he could have a greater impact by pursuing a fellowship at Stanford focused on sustainability. Griese is now working to find solutions to real-world problems and help athletes use their platforms to speak out on important issues. He recently met with educators at the Colorado School of Mines to brainstorm ideas.

  • Griese spent two years as a quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 and 2025.
  • Griese is currently pursuing a fellowship at Stanford University focused on sustainability.

The players

Brian Griese

A former Pro Bowl quarterback for the Denver Broncos who has transitioned from coaching in the NFL to pursuing a fellowship at Stanford University focused on sustainability.

Brock Purdy

A quarterback who played for the San Francisco 49ers while Griese was their quarterbacks coach.

Sam Darnold

A quarterback who played for the San Francisco 49ers while Griese was their quarterbacks coach and recently led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.

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What they’re saying

“I loved being the quarterbacks coach, but I missed my family and I felt there was a way for me to make a bigger impact.”

— Brian Griese, Former NFL Quarterback (Denver Post)

“I get emotional talking about Sam because I know what he was like when he walked through my door (in 2024). He had been thrown to the scrap heap, labeled a bust. He could have had a good life as a backup. But not once did he complain or make excuses. He said, 'I just want to see how good I can be.' It all started with humility and his ability to learn from mistakes.”

— Brian Griese, Former NFL Quarterback (Denver Post)

What’s next

Griese plans to continue his work at Stanford, focusing on finding solutions to sustainability challenges and empowering athletes to use their platforms to address important issues.

The takeaway

Griese's transition from coaching in the NFL to pursuing a fellowship at Stanford focused on sustainability demonstrates how former athletes can leverage their experiences and influence to drive positive change beyond just sports. His story highlights the potential for sports to be a vehicle for addressing broader societal challenges.