Ted Crews enters his second season as Special Advisor to the President/CEO & Chief Administrative Officer for the Chicago Bears in 2025.
In his role, Crews works closely with President and CEO Kevin Warren and the club's Executive Leadership Team on developing and implementing strategic operational procedures to advance the Chicago Bears, honoring the legacy and integrity of the storied franchise through exemplary representation in day-to-day proceedings. In his first season as a member of the Bears, Crews played a pivotal role in the development and evolution of various operations, including those in the football and business sectors, as well as stadium development.
Crews, with his experience, a forward-thinking outlook and a perspective developed over 27years working in the National Football League, oversees all in-house content and production ventures, including the digital and social media arms of the Chicago Bears, brand initiatives and the club's corporate and football communications efforts. An award-winning figure over his two-plus decades in the NFL, Crews has been recognized on three separate occasions at the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation's Salute to Excellence Awards for his outstanding work and success as an African American in an executive position in the NFL.
Prior to joining the Bears in 2024, Crews spent 12 years leading all communications efforts for the Kansas City Chiefs, providing guidance and oversight throughout the development of his innovative and strategic communications operation. Crews, as spokesperson and primary contact on all communications efforts for the Chiefs, served as the liaison between the club and all levels of external media – local, national and international. Crews worked closely with Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, Head Coach Andy Reid, General Manager Brett Veach, President Mark Donovan and the club's key players on problem-solving measures and best practices, providing optimal representation of the club and brand. Crews oversaw numerous high-profile and progressive organizational projects during his time in Kansas City, including working with club executives on the development of the Chiefs' corporate communications arm, which led to unprecedented off-field success as the franchise achieved sustained prominence on the global stage.
Over his decade-plus in Kansas City, Crews led a staff that was instrumental in capitalizing on on-field success through their communications operation and strategy during a span that included three World Championships, four Super Bowl appearances, six-straight AFC Championship Game berths and eight-consecutive AFC West Division titles. Crews' leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal, as the Chiefs were at the forefront of providing regular access to the club's players, coaches and executives, as the consistency provided by professional sports aided the world during a challenging time for all. Off the field, Crews implemented tactical and deliberate ventures for the betterment of the franchise and the club's impact on the surrounding community, starting with the development of a corporate communications department designed to better serve the needs of the club's budding business operations. In consultation and partnership with Donovan and the organization's leadership, Crews spearheaded the creation of the club's corporate communications department, an extension of his staff that provided publicity and support to all of the Chiefs' off-field ventures, including growth in the international market, guidance on publication and branding with prominent corporate partnerships and the hosting of world-class events at Arrowhead Stadium, such as concerts and World Cup matches that reach audiences of global proportions.
Crews joined the Chiefs after spending three seasons as the Senior Director of Communications for the St. Louis Rams (2009-11), where he served as the primary contact on all football matters for ownership, as well as the club's general manager and head coach, in addition to being the team's official spokesperson. Before his time with the Rams, Crews held the role of Football Communications Manager for the Atlanta Falcons from 2005 to 2008, a tenure during which he provided media support and organization for the general manager, head coach, coaching staff and full player roster.
Crews entered the NFL as an intern with the Carolina Panthers, gaining experience in the profession during his time as an undergraduate at South Carolina State University. Following two years as an intern, Crews spent five seasons as the Media Relations Assistant for Carolina (2000-04), learning under Charlie Dayton, former Panthers PR Director and Pro Football Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence honoree.
A proud graduate of South Carolina State University (1999), Crews was recognized with one of the school's highest honors in 2014, as he received the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award. Crews returned to his alma mater in 2024 to serve as the keynote speaker for the Fall 2024 Commencement Convocation, and was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from the university.
Additionally, Crews has also been invited by the NFL to help lead the league's Super Bowl communications staff on 10 occasions, in addition to numerous Pro Bowls.
Crews, a native of Columbia, Md., and his wife, Michelle, have three children – Tesdell Jacob IV, Olivia Celeste and Dean J. William.
