Posted on 06/14/2019 4:44:44 PM PDT by EdnaMode
Pat Bowlen, who purchased the Denver Broncos in 1984 and oversaw what became one of the NFL’s most successful franchises, passed away late Thursday night after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.
“Our family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received in recent years. Heaven got a little bit more orange and blue tonight,” the Bowlen family wrote in a statement released by the Broncos.
“Pat Bowlen had a competitive spirit with a great sense of humor. As fun-loving as he was, he always wanted us to understand the big picture. We will forever remember his kindness and humility.
“More important than being an incredible owner, Pat Bowlen was an incredible human being.”
Apart from a brief spurt of success in the late 1970s, the Broncos that Bowlen acquired in March 1984 had a mostly dour history, with losing seasons in 14 of their 24 years of existence. But with Dan Reeves as coach and John Elway at quarterback, the Broncos would finish first or second in their division in each of Bowlen’s first six seasons, appearing in three Super Bowls, all losses. Denver would finally break through in Elway’s final two seasons, winning consecutive Super Bowls after the 1997 and 1998 seasons, the former memorably punctuated by Bowlen’s postgame declaration, “This one’s for John.”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
We had 6 season tickets in the south stands for 20 years . RIP , Mr. Bowlen .
During his time as owner of the Broncos, only the Patriots had won more games than the Broncos, and only by a handful. Pat owned four professional sports teams, and each one won a championship in their league.
He supported my dad’s Colorado golf exhibitions back in the 70s/80s with Nicklaus, President Ford, Watson, Palmer, Trevino, and all of the greats. He always cared about promoting the Denver community.
The Denver Broncos is just a class act. They’re the ones who finally broke the AFC losing streak in the Super Bowl by beating the Packers. When Elway spun like a top, I knew it was over.
Attended my first Bronco game at old ‘Mile High’ stadium in 1970, the era of Floyd Little. Became a season ticket holder in 1977 ... this will be my 42nd year as a season ticket holder. Mr. ‘B’, the name his player used when referring to him was a outstanding NFL owner ... soon to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
RIP.
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