When Lewis Hamilton first got into the team ownership arena, he hoped to enjoy supporting the growth of sports. But, now with the recent muzzle between his team, Denver Broncos, and the famous NFL entity Sean Payton, this may not be as stress-free for Hamilton. There have been a lot of talks of Payton facing some opposition from the Broncos’ ownership group. While the Mercedes driver is also a part of this group, there are multiple stakeholders along with him. But, to Lewis’s relief, Payton has cleared the air on this fiasco after the ownership group entities faced backlash.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Washington Post’s Mark Maske has explained on his Twitter what is possibly going on between the Broncos and Payton. He stated, “The [Carolina] Panthers are no longer an option for Sean Payton. And there was an issue with Payton’s interview with the [Denver] Broncos.”
DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 27: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos stands on the sideline in the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High on August 27, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
“Payton likes the idea of coaching Russell Wilson and having that defense but fears a potential power struggle with a member of the ownership group, a source says.” While Payton himself denies this claim of any power struggles. As per Sports Illustrated, he quote tweeted on Maske’s tweet, “Zero truth to this. We had a great visit and Broncos ownership was fantastic!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As per Saintswire USA Today, the ownership group of the Broncos involves Rob Walton of the Walmart group along with his daughter Carrie and son-in-law Greg Penner. Besides them, the group involves Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and 7-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis certainly would love to stay away from any possible controversies with his NFL team. Of course, he is there to promote inclusive ownership in sports and urge F1 to learn from America’s favorite sport. Still, knowing Hamilton’s enthusiasm, he won’t hesitate to pump his team up and support in any way possible.
How Lewis Hamilton jumped up on the chance to part-own Denver Broncos
The Walton-Benner family got the Denver Broncos in 2022 for an all-time high price of $4.65 billion. Lewis Hamilton joined this consortium as a part-owner in NFL and expressed how happy he felt to change the trend of ownership in sports.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As per Sky Sports, the Briton cited how there is a lack of people of color being sports team owners. Back in 2020, the percentage of NFL players being people of color was almost 70%. Meanwhile, this percentage dropped drastically for head coaches at 12.5% and further dropped at the ownership level too.
Thus, Lewis feels this should change and team ownership across sporting leagues should involve more people of color. Hamilton attended Broncos’ NFL game against the Chargers back in October 2022. Though he could not attend the franchise playing in London against Jacksonville due to the Mexican GP.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s “Real Height” Goes Viral After Picture With Lewis Hamilton and Tom Brady
Certainly, the 7-time champion would like to stay away from any controversy in this head coach search of the Broncos. After all, if this can be avoided and Sean Payton gets the head coach role, it may be for the betterment of the Broncos perhaps. Let us know your views on Hamilton’s new part-owner role in NFL.
