Denver Broncos on the right side of history with Kelly Kleine hire
The Denver Broncos made league history for all the right reasons to start off the week with the hiring of Kelly Kleine as the director of football operations and adviser to George Paton.
After serving time alongside Paton with the Minnesota Vikings and ten seasons with the team total, Kleine will oversee the scouting, video, and equipment departments, along with other tasks revolving around draft preparation.
Not only is Kleine now officially the highest-ranked female scouting executive in NFL history, but she has also accomplished this feat at just 30 years old.
In an interview with NFL Access while still with the Vikings, Kleine noted that her favorite part of scouting collegiate athletes is “really getting to know the player.” One of Kleine’s obvious strengths is the hands-on approach she takes with her job in scouting and pre-draft visits, bringing a valuable asset to the Broncos.
In Paton’s announcement of the Kleine hiring, he commended her knowledge and leadership: “Kelly has a strong understanding of all aspects of football operations and player evaluation along with outstanding leadership qualities.”
Not only does the Kelly Kleine hire put the Denver Broncos on the right side of history, but it also provides hope.
As the NFL progresses in hiring women in what has long been deemed a “man’s industry”, girls and women across the world are watching. They see these women being recognized for their talents and efforts, landing their well-earned dream jobs.
They have watched women like Emily Zaler, Katie Sowers, and Kelly Kleine take the sports industry by storm and revolutionizing the game of football.
As these women make their mark in sports, girls are asking themselves:
“If they can do it, why can’t I?”
Kelly Kleine may not realize it, but not only has her career move opened a world of opportunity for her, but it has also opened up a world of opportunity for every woman longing to be in the sports industry, who are now coming to the realization that anything is possible that they set their minds to.
As a woman, I am deeply moved by the accomplishments of women like Kleine. She gives me hope for the younger generations–she gives me hope for my future.
Every day, women are proving that they belong in sports, and Kelly Kleine is going to do incredible things for the Denver Broncos.
If Kleine can make NFL history at just 30 years old, who knows what she will accomplish next?