The Denver Broncos placed 29 players on injured reserve last season, the second-highest total in the NFL that only trailed the Tennessee Titans (33). When new head coach Sean Payton arrived earlier this offseason, he took action in an effort to reduce the team’s injuries going forward.
In addition to bringing in Dan Dalrymple as the club’s new strength and conditioning coach, Payton has also hired Beau Lowery as the team’s new vice president of player health and performance.
Lowery has 25 years of experience in sports medicine, most recently working at LSU from 2021-2022. Before that, Lowery worked under Payton with the New Orleans Saints from 2017-2021.
“The health and wellness of the players is a top priority for our organization,” Broncos president/CEO Greg Penner said in a statement when Lowery was hired last week. “Sean has made an important addition to the Broncos in Beau Lowery, who will create an elite sports performance program leading our athletic training, strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports science staffs.
“We will continue to invest in all aspects of player care and performance to ensure we are providing the best possible resources for our team both on and off the field.”
Lowery has received glowing reviews from players he worked with in the past, notably including former quarterback Drew Brees.
“Beau Lowery added years onto my career,” Brees said in a statement. “His vision, leadership, character and process for sports performance and physical therapy are second-to-none. There is no better person you will find in this role to equip the team for health, recovery and success.”
Here’s a quick sampling of additional current and former players who reacted to the Lowery hire on Twitter.
Great hire and an upgrade to any staff. I appreciate @beau_lowery and everything he brings to an organization!
— Jermon Bushrod (@j_bushrod7475) February 26, 2023
Y’all got a GREAT head trainer but an even better person. Beau is a blessing to everyone he encounters. Congrats @beau_lowery !
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) February 25, 2023
Denver is going to be special this year. Love seeing what’s happening. Not only are they signing the best professionals I’ve ever worked with, but the best people I’ve ever been around.@beau_lowery is exactly that. Well Deserved! You’ll love it in Denver!
— Kasim Edebali (@TheDreamKasim) February 26, 2023
One of the best practitioners and best people in the business!
Congrats @beau_lowery! Excited for you and your fam. https://t.co/0QD6APY9Mc
— Marques Colston (@MarquesColston) February 26, 2023
Spoke with a former #LSU football player and asked him about #Broncos new VP of Player Health and Performance Beau Lowery.
"He was really good. He was basically our head trainer. He was highly respected, pretty hands-on with a lot of us. Overall great guy."
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) February 25, 2023
Brian Kelly, LSU’s head coach, had this to say:
Congratulations, Beau! Thank you for everything you did for our team. Your work has made a true impact on LSU for years to come. https://t.co/A8eCfYqCgj
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) February 25, 2023
Payton, of course, gave a glowing review as well.
“Beau Lowery is the best I’ve ever been around,” the coach said. “He was a complete game-changer for us in New Orleans who reshaped how we operated in our training room and throughout our sports performance areas. We are excited to welcome Beau to the Broncos and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our team.”
Judging from the comments of his former players and colleagues, it seems safe to say Denver made a great hire.
