Xanders began his career in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994, where he served in various roles for 14 years. He started as a player personnel intern and worked his way up to become the team's Assistant General Manager. During his time with the Falcons, Xanders was involved in player evaluations, contract negotiations, and salary cap management.
In 2008, Xanders joined the Denver Broncos as the Assistant General Manager. The following year, he was promoted to General Manager, becoming the youngest GM in the NFL at the time. During his tenure, Xanders was responsible for all aspects of the Broncos' football operations, including player acquisition, contract negotiations, and salary cap management.
Under Xanders' leadership, the Broncos made several notable player acquisitions, including drafting future Pro Bowl players such as Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. He also played a key role in the signing of Peyton Manning, one of the most significant free-agent acquisitions in NFL history.
Despite these successes, Xanders' tenure with the Broncos was not without controversy. He was criticized for some of his draft picks and free-agent signings, and there were reports of tension between him and head coach Josh McDaniels.
In 2012, Xanders and the Broncos mutually agreed to part ways. After leaving the Broncos, Xanders joined the Detroit Lions as a Senior Personnel Executive, where he continued to play a key role in player evaluations and contract negotiations.
Throughout his career, Xanders has been recognized for his analytical approach to player evaluation and his expertise in salary cap management. He has also been praised for his ability to identify and develop talent, as evidenced by the success of many of the players he acquired during his tenure with the Broncos and Lions.
In summary, Brian Xanders had a significant career in football management, marked by his tenure as the General Manager of the Denver Broncos. Despite some controversy, he is widely respected for his analytical approach to player evaluation and his expertise in salary cap management.
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