Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice joins new ownership group of Denver Broncos

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is now a part-owner of an NFL team.

She has joined the new ownership group which has agreed to buy the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion. The group is headed by heir to the Walmart empire Rob Walton and his family.

Condoleezza Rice: Football and Denver fan

The former national security adviser lived in Denver as a child, and also acquired two degrees from the University of Denver.

In a statement issued on social media, Rice spoke of her love of both football and the city of the Broncos.

“It is an honor to be part of this ownership group. Football has been an integral part of my life since the moment it was introduced to me, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Broncos organization today.

“I spent much of my younger years in Denver, so to be able to combine my love of the game with my love for this great city and team is an adventure of a lifetime and a great opportunity.”

Walton for his part welcomed Rice warmly to the ownership group.

“A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and better.

“She is the daughter of a football coach and served on the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee. ... Her unique experience and extraordinary judgment will be a great benefit to our group and the Broncos organization.”

The role of the former Stanford University Provost in the Broncos organization is as yet unclear, and the sale of the team has yet to be finalized. All the NFL team owners must come together to vote for the sale’s approval, and the ownership group needs 24 yes votes for the purchase to be official.