Oct 2, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen talks on the sidelines prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Broncos 49-23. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
A few days have passed since a fax fumble fiasco, and Denver Broncos fans are still reacting to the surprising release of beloved veteran and fan favorite, Elvis Dumervil. I remember hearing the news this past Friday about it. I stayed glued to my smart phone for any breaking updates about the team’s contract agreement with Dumervil. Finally the moment came that the Broncos and Dumervil agreed to terms; I was breathing a sigh of relief. The next moment I heard there was a technology issue with the fax machine and the contract was not received before the deadline. So as I have written before, Elvis has officially left the building, but I wasn’t expecting it like that.
How was the ball dropped on this? (Pardon the pun). I am sure there are already buzzing stories of conspiracy out there, but the fact remains that Elvis is officially free to allow him the right to shop elsewhere. In fact, rumors have floated around that Dumervil is in negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens. This would be a sting to Broncos Country for more than one reason.
The acquisition of WR Wes Welker from long-time Denver rival, the New England Patriots, shocked and stung his teammates, most notably Tom Brady. That said, if Dumervil signs with the team that ended the Broncos dream season and went on to win the Super Bowl; this free agency period will have delivered cold slaps in the face to rival franchises all around. Was it conspiracy? Who knows. Dumervil has since gone with different representation by firing his agent, Marty Magid, and hiring renowned agent, Tom Condon. Condon sent in an appeal to the league on behalf of Dumervil’s contract hoping to grant an exception. The league ultimately denied the appeal. Deadlines are deadlines, no exceptions.
The question is, what does Pat Bowlen think of all this? Bowlen was here in Arizona recently and was asked about the Dumervil fax blunder. Did it embarrass him and his dynasty franchise? “Not really. I’ve been around here for quite a few years. I’ve seen just about everything. This is not unusual.” Bowlen said Monday at the NFL meetings according to the Denver Post.
It is here again that fans need to place faith in the main men in charge in the high offices at Dove Valley. Entering his 30th year owning the Broncos franchise, it should come to no surprise that he has seen situations like this. To name a few, Bowlen has seen his team lose three Super Bowls, lose out on plenty of playoff games, lost star players because of personality disputes with the coaching staff, hired and fired coaches; you name it, he has seen it.
It should be said, however, that he also won back-to-back Super Bowls with former Broncos QB and now VP of Operations, John Elway, making Broncos franchise history. This exact time last year, Bowlen and Elway again made history as they signed the most infamous quarterback in free agency, Peyton Manning, and that was only the beginning!
If we can get Dumervil back, that would be awesome. However, if he picks up a deal with another team, I wish him the best of luck and deeply thank him for all he did for the Denver Broncos. I have come to terms with the fact that whatever happens, will be for the best. With all the craziness that is going on right now, try and remember the most important thing, Bronco fans. Pat Bowlen and John Elway want to win Super Bowls and will do what it takes to bring the road to the Super Bowl back though Mile High.
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