They Said It: Kevin Warren

University of Maryland Football Head Coach Mike Locksley:

“In Kevin’s time with the Big Ten, he allowed the conference to grow into this new world of sports business. He oversaw the largest collegiate TV deal across networks that allow the conference to be a leader moving into the future. He has also been a friend of the National Coalition for Minority Football Coaches. He was an ear for our organization when we launched and has given support in our growth. He opened doors that have allowed the organization to grow. The Bears secured one of the most accomplished sports executives to ever live. He has a vision for what the future of sports in Chicago. He will lead the Bears to being the cornerstone organization in the NFL.”

Former Chairman, President & CEO of U.S. Bank and current CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Richard K. Davis:

“Kevin Warren is a leader of purpose and integrity. He reflects the importance of character and loyalty and will bring remarkable pride to the Bears organization through his inclusive and thoughtful leadership.”

Chair, President and CEO of Sleep Number Shelly Ibach:

“Kevin is an extraordinary leader and loyal friend. He is a visionary, with the courage and capabilities to realize his goals. He builds high performance teams with integrity and a winning spirit. The great city of Chicago and The Chicago Bears franchise are so fortunate to benefit from his leadership.”

Chairman of the Big Ten council of presidents/chancellors and University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones:

“The Big Ten has had a historic run during Kevin’s tenure as our commissioner. He has led this conference forward and upward through the most concentrated and dynamic period of change college athletics has ever seen. From the worst global health crisis in living memory to ground-shaking changes in the model of amateur athletics to reorganizations and realignments of conferences – Kevin has been a visionary leader who never let us lose momentum and never let anyone forget that the health, safety and future trajectories of our student athletes were always our first and foremost priorities. Chicago Bears players, staff and fans are going to be in for a very fun ride in the years to come.”

President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Selwyn Vickers:

“Over the past 16 years, Kevin has been closer than a brother to me. He is a man of faith first and foremost, but he possesses the rare combination of pursuing excellence, bringing others along with him and a sincere love for people to do a job everyone around him will be proud of. He is a leader that has genuine compassion and concern for the people who he serves at every level. Kevin has a constant push for consistency and excellence for the environment he leads. He has a tireless work ethic and I know he will allow others to join in.”

Former Bears defensive lineman and client of Kevin Warren Chris Zorich:

“Kevin is an inspirational leader who sincerely cares about the people he works with and values their ideas and contributions. He also has a tireless work ethic and will truly be the first person in the building and the last one to leave. These attributes are what drew me to Kevin over 30 years ago and they still hold true today.”

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Super Bowl XXXIV winning Head Coach Dick Vermeil:

“Having had the opportunity to work for four different NFL owners, team presidents and management staffs, I feel very confident in stating I believe I know what it takes to lead an NFL franchise successfully. Kevin Warren is well prepared to do just that. He has climbed the ladder of NFL responsibilities and has excelled in each area. He has worked directly with ownerships, presidents, general managers, personnel directors, coaching staffs, and players, and has also guided the construction of a brand new NFL stadium. I doubt there is anyone out there that can duplicate Kevin’s resume and performance. About the only thing he hasn’t been given the opportunity to do is to be a team president. I’m very proud to be able to call Kevin Warren a very close friend. He will do and outstanding job. I’m only sorry that I’m not young enough to be his head coach.

Former CEO of American Express and current Chairman & Managing Director for General Catalyst Ken Chenault:

“Kevin Warren is a visionary leader who throughout his distinguished career has delivered outstanding results while always operating with the highest levels of integrity. Kevin is made for this job and I am confident he will be a catalytic agent of change and bring a championship to Chicago”.