The Chicago Bears have elevated Jeff King to the role of assistant general manager, as announced on Thursday. King will now work alongside general manager Ryan Poles.

“We are excited to see Jeff step up within our football operations team,” Poles stated on the Bears’ website. “His dedication and outstanding performance have been invaluable, and he has significantly influenced our organization. We anticipate Jeff’s leadership and contributions as we aim to build a consistently winning team.”

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King previously served as the senior director of player personnel for the Bears.

His journey with the team began in 2015 as a scouting intern.

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Following his internship, King transitioned to a full-time scouting role, and his career progressed as he took on responsibilities as director of scouting and then co-director of player personnel.

King was an NFL tight end who played 108 games over seven seasons with the Panthers (2006-10) and Cardinals (2011-12).

“I’m super lucky,” said King, whose latest promotion was announced on his 43rd birthday. “I’ve been here 12 years. That doesn’t happen. When I walked in here 12 years ago as an intern, I didn’t think it would go this far, but I’ve been very lucky and appreciative of this organization because it is special. I am honored to be able to continue representing the Chicago Bears organization, and I am thankful and appreciative to George H. McCaskey, the McCaskey family, Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles for their trust and belief in me. This is a special organization. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to grow and develop here, starting as an intern, and I look forward to continuing to help build our team as we work toward our collective pursuit of sustained excellence.”

King replaces Ian Cunningham, who left the Bears to become Falcons general manager.