Bronco Players Give Penner Ownership an A+

Players also grade GM, coordinators, and facilities highly in NFLPA survey

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:19pm

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According to a survey conducted by the NFL Players Association, Denver Broncos players gave the team's new ownership group, led by Greg and Carrie Penner, an A+ grade. The players also gave high marks to general manager George Paton, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, and several other coaches and staff members. However, the players gave the team's locker room a D grade, citing it as too small and crowded.

Why it matters

The positive feedback from players on the Penners' ownership, as well as the team's front office and facilities, suggests the organization is headed in the right direction after a disappointing 2022 season. The low grade for the locker room highlights an area that the team may need to address to keep players satisfied.

The details

In the NFLPA survey, more than 1,700 players were asked to grade various aspects of their teams and organizations on a scale of A+ to F-. The Broncos' new ownership group, led by Greg and Carrie Penner, received one of only four A+ grades given out. The players also gave A or A- grades to general manager George Paton, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, and several other coaches and staff members. However, the team's locker room received a D grade, with players citing it as too small and crowded.

  • The NFLPA survey was conducted during the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Greg and Carrie Penner

The owners of the Denver Broncos, who took over the team in 2022 and have been praised by players for their investment in the organization.

George Paton

The general manager of the Denver Broncos, who received an A or A- grade from players in the NFLPA survey.

Joe Lombardi

The former offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, who received an A or A- grade from players in the NFLPA survey.

Vance Joseph

The defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, who received an A or A- grade from players in the NFLPA survey.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who received a B+ or B grade from players in the NFLPA survey.

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What’s next

The Broncos will look to build on their 14-3 season and playoff appearance in 2025 as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. The team's ownership, front office, and coaching staff will aim to maintain the high level of player satisfaction reflected in the NFLPA survey.

The takeaway

The Broncos' new ownership group, led by Greg and Carrie Penner, has quickly earned the trust and respect of the team's players through their investments in the organization, including a new training facility and stadium plans. This positive feedback from players suggests the team is headed in the right direction after a disappointing 2022 season.