Ellis began his career in the NFL with the Denver Broncos as their director of marketing from 1983 to 1985. After obtaining his master's degree, he served the league as vice president of club administration and stadium management until rejoining the Broncos in 1998 as their executive vice president of business operations. Joe acted in this capacity for 10 years. In 2008, Joe became the team's chief operating officer. He maintained this position for three seasons, until January 5, 2011. After 13 years with the organization, he was promoted to team president.
After owner and previous president Pat Bowlen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Ellis took control of the team.[2] In August 2022, Ellis stepped down from his position after the Walton Penner group was approved as the new owners of the Broncos.[3]
Personal life
Ellis lives in Colorado, with his wife, Ann. They have three children: two sons, Si and Zander, and a daughter, Catherine.[2] He is also a member of the Bush family through his mother Nancy Walker Bush Ellis, respectively making him the nephew of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush and cousin of former U.S. President George W. Bush.[4]