ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — There are parallel paths of devastation to the coronavirus outbreak that has led to both a health and economic crisis.
Broncos chief executive officer Joe Ellis addressed both Sunday with a dual announcement the team is ordering a mandatory closure of its headquarters and stadium, while also deciding to pay all part-time workers, hourly employees and interns for shifts missed because of COVID-19-related cancellations.
“This is an unprecedented and challenging time for everyone,’’ Ellis stated in a memo sent to all Broncos employees late Sunday afternoon and obtained by 9News. “Please know how much I appreciate your understanding, flexibility and support for each other and our community.
“We will continue to make all decisions in a careful, thoughtful way with your health and safety our No. 1 priority.’’
The closure of the team’s UCHealth Training Center headquarters and Empower Field at Mile High has been mandated for at least two weeks. The only people who will be allowed into team headquarters this week are general manager John Elway and his closest advisors for the NFL free-agent period that opens with negotiations at 10 a.m. Monday.
Those who will be allowed in to assist Elway include his top personnel deputy Matt Russell, head coach Vic Fangio, director or pro personnel A.J. Durso, contract negotiator/capologist Rich Hurtado, trainer Steve “Greek” Antonopulos, football administrator Mark Thewes, public relations/community relations boss Patrick Smyth, security staff and an IT technician. Ellis will be around to lend support to Elway's operation.
No assistant coaches or other front-office personnel allowed.
“John Elway, Vic Fangio and the rest of our football operations have a plan in place for the start of free agency, and we will be ready to improve our team as soon as the league year begins,’’ Ellis said in the memo.
The decision to close down its facilities and pay its employees during the shutdown came after two days of discussions between Ellis, the team’s leadership and its medical staff, including Antonopulos, and outside medical experts.
After spending all day Sunday at Broncos' headquarters to work through steps to address the coronavirus pandemic, Ellis announced the shutdown and payment plan to the team’s employees through his lengthy memo.
"Our organization has a responsibility to you and your family to take every precaution necessary to ensure your health and well-being," Ellis stated. "Just as important, we have a responsibility to this community to do our part in helping to keep everyone safe."
