NFL Rumors: Dawn Aponte Draws ‘Real’ Interest for Potential GM, Team President Role

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVNovember 28, 2024

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Veteran NFL front office worker Dawn Aponte is reportedly expected to be a candidate for vacant NFL general manager and team president roles following the 2024 season.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, there is “real” interest in Aponte across the league due to her experience and skill set.

Aponte, who is currently chief administrator of football operations in the NFL league office, previously worked in the front office for multiple franchises as well.

She was with the New York Jets from 1994 to 2005, working her way from a team accountant all the way up to senior director of football administration.

Aponte was also the Cleveland Browns’ vice president of football administration from 2009 to 2010, and the Miami Dolphins’ senior vice president of football operations from 2010 to 2012 and their executive vice president of football administration from 2012 to 2016.

Per Russini, a league source said teams view Aponte as “someone who would carry out ownership’s vision while creating streamlined processes, forcing accountability, and aligning the organization at all levels.”

Because Aponte does not have any scouting or personnel experience, it is likely she would be paired with a veteran in those areas if she were hired, allowing her to focus on heading up operations.

A coach with interest in working with Aponte told Russini: “She’s a tough, no-nonsense leader with a better résumé and background in football than most of the men up for these jobs. This should be the year she gets a shot.”

Russini also noted that former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who worked with Aponte in the past, is leading the Jets’ search for a new GM after they fired Joe Douglas last week.

Aponte gained some momentum as a GM candidate last offseason when she interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers’ vacant position, which ultimately went to Joe Hortiz.

If Aponte lands a GM job this time around, she will make history as the first female general manager in NFL history.