George Paton (born May 5, 1970)[1] is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Paton previously served as the assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel for the Minnesota Vikings and served with the Vikings in various executive roles for 14 seasons. Paton began his NFL career as a scout for the Chicago Bears before serving as the director of pro personnel for the Miami Dolphins from 2001 to 2006 and joining the Vikings in 2007. Before his career as an executive, Paton played college football at UCLA and later professionally in the Austrian Football League and Italian Football League.[2]
| Denver Broncos | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | General manager | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | May 5, 1970 La Cañada Flintridge, California, U.S. | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | Loyola (Los Angeles, California) | ||
| College: | UCLA (1988–1991) | ||
| Career history | |||
| As an executive: | |||
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Early years
editA native of La Cañada Flintridge, California,[3] Paton played quarterback at Loyola High School (Los Angeles), and was a four year letter winner at defensive back for the UCLA from 1988 to 1991, being a part of a pair of Bruin bowl teams. While at UCLA, Paton earned a bachelor's degree in history.
Europe
editIn 1992, Paton played in the Italian Football League. In 1993, Paton played in the Austrian Football League with the Vienna Vikings. The team reached the semi-finals of the league playoffs.
Executive career
editChicago Bears
editIn 1997, Paton began his executive career with the Chicago Bears in their scouting and personnel department, eventually rising up to the position of assistant director of pro personnel in 2000.
Miami Dolphins
editIn 2001, Paton was hired by the Miami Dolphins as their director of pro personnel.
Minnesota Vikings
editIn 2007, Paton was hired as the director of player personnel for the Minnesota Vikings, reuniting with the Vikings vice president of player personnel, Rick Spielman, who worked with Paton in Miami and Chicago. When Spielman was promoted to the Vikings general manager in 2012, Paton was promoted to be assistant general manager. In 2019, Paton was given an additional role as vice president of player personnel.[4]
Denver Broncos
editOn January 12, 2021, Paton was named the general manager of the Denver Broncos.[5][6]
Personal life
editThe son of a high school football coach,[7] Paton is married to Barbara. They have two children, a daughter, Bella and a son, Beau.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Broncos agree to terms with George Paton to become general manager". www.denverbroncos.com. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
- ^ Vikings, Minnesota (January 12, 2021). "George Paton". www.vikings.com. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ "Minnesota's George Paton is Denver Broncos' new GM: 'I feel like this team is a sleeping giant'". www.gazette.com/. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
- ^ "George Paton". denverbroncos.com.
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (January 12, 2021). "Broncos agree to terms with George Paton to become general manager". www.denverbroncos.com. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ Gordon, Grant (January 12, 2021). "George Paton agrees to six-year deal as new Broncos general manager". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ "From a friend's couch to Broncos GM: George Paton's journey to Denver starts in a Chicago basement". www.gazette.com/. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
- ^ "Who is George Paton? Everything to know about the Broncos' new general manager". www.denverpost.com. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.