Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen Steps Away, Focusing on Health
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and executive vice president of football operations John Elway before the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has stepped away from his duties as the owner of the Denver Broncos, per the team. This news comes as a huge shock to Broncos Country, but Mr. Bowlen is doing the right thing by focusing on his health and time he has with his family. Bowlen has quietly battled Alzheimer’s the last few years and kept it private so as not to draw attention to himself.
The Broncos released a statement on the situation, and you can read that and more at the official team site:
"“In recent years, Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen has taken a reduced role with his team while courageously and privately battling Alzheimer’s disease.“The Broncos are very saddened that Mr. Bowlen is no longer able to be part of the team’s daily operations due to his condition. We continue to offer our full support, compassion and respect to ‘Mr. B,’ who has faced Alzheimer’s disease with such dignity and strength.“As Mr. Bowlen focuses on his health, the Broncos have announced changes to their leadership structure that will ensure the long-term stability of the franchise.“Mr. Bowlen’s ownership of the Broncos is held in a trust—the Pat Bowlen Trust—overseen by non-family trustees with President Joe Ellis continuing to operate the team with full authority on all matters. Plans for this trust were arranged by Mr. Bowlen beginning more than a decade ago as part of his succession plan to keep the Broncos in the Bowlen family.“Mr. Bowlen’s long-term hope is for one of his children to run the Broncos at the appropriate time, and his succession plan will continue to be implemented by our organization in compliance with NFL ownership policies.“Ellis, who has worked with Mr. Bowlen for nearly 30 years, also has been named the Broncos’ chief executive officer and adds those responsibilities to his role as team president. He serves as the club’s representation for all league matters."