National Football League Senior Vice President Lisa Friel, a former prosecutor who investigates charges of off-field misconduct by players, has endorsed prosecutor Michael Dougherty, one of five Democrats running for Colorado attorney general in next year’s primary.

Friel, the former chief of the Manhattan sex crimes prosecution unit, was recruited by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2014 to look into domestic violence allegations against league players. She worked with Dougherty, the deputy district attorney for Jefferson and Gilpin counties, when he was a prosecutor in New York. He moved to Colorado earlier this decade to supervise the state’s DNA Justice Review Project and was soon tapped to run the attorney general’s Criminal Justice Section under former Attorney General John Suthers.

“One of the distinct pleasures of my career was serving with Michael Dougherty in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office,” Friel said in a statement. “Michael’s work ethos, drive, and perseverance for justice combine to make him not only a fantastic attorney, but a true model for public servants across the country.”

“Michael has always taken on the difficult challenges. He jumps into any situation and ensures that the work doesn’t end until justice is served. This mentality has resulted in the successful prosecution of some of our most terrible criminals, those who commit crimes that are sexual in nature. As attorney general, I know that Michael will see that his new office vigorously pursues the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. When it comes to choosing a new leader for criminal justice, Coloradans should pick Michael Dougherty – he will bring progress and reform to Colorado.”

Noting he’s known Friel for the bulk of his legal career, Dougherty called her “an inspiration” and one of the most well-respected attorneys in her field.

“I have never seen a challenge she could not tackle, and to have her support in this race is incredible,” Dougherty said in a statement. “Lisa’s work has placed new focus on sexual crimes and human trafficking – and how, all too often, these offenses are swept under the rug. As attorney general, I will prioritize new resources for our local district attorneys to assist in the testing and evaluation of rape kits, and will provide enhanced training for our law enforcement officers in recognizing and preventing domestic abuse, sex crimes, and human trafficking operations. Lisa is a national leader in the fight against domestic abuse and sexual assault, I am truly honored to have her support in this race.”

The incumbent attorney general, Republican Cynthia Coffman, has said she’s considering jumping into a crowded GOP primary for governor but has also been raising money for her reelection bid.

The other Democrats running for attorney general include state Sen. Joe Salazar of Thornton, former University of Colorado law school dean Phil Weiser, Denver attorney Brad Levin and former federal prosecutor Amy Padden.