The Denver Broncos mourn the loss of owner Pat Bowlen who led the franchise to its greatest success during his tenure. He is a great example for all.
There is no doubt in my mind that the late former Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is one of the great people in the history of the world.
Although he was responsible for the franchise’s success during his tenure as owner (1984-through July 23, 2014) he always gave the credit to others for anything that went well.
He was exceptionally deferential as after the Broncos won their first Super Bowl title January 25, 1998, 31-24 over the Green Bay Packers, he told the NBC national television audience, “This one’s for John.” .
Elway ensured this went full circle as after the Broncos’ 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, he, as the Broncos’ president of football operations/general manager, said, “This one’s for Pat,” during the trophy presentation.
Elway had many kind things to say about Bowlen after his former boss’s passing as confirmed on his Twitter account:
I will miss Pat greatly and will always treasure the times we had together.
— John Elway (@johnelway) June 14, 2019
He was a tremendous mentor and a tremendous friend. My heart goes out to Annabel and the entire Bowlen family. pic.twitter.com/hBwtIAOisQ
During Bowlen’s tenure of running the day-to-day operations of the franchise, the Broncos won 59.7 percent of their games, 11 AFC West titles, seven AFC championships, and three Super Bowls.
Per NFL Research, only the Broncos’ fellow NFL squads, the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs had higher winning percentages in the Bowlen era.
Nevertheless, Bowlen was not a household name for NFL fans who did not follow the Broncos. That’s just how he preferred it.
He was the polar inverse of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and that was one of his most endearing qualities as I see it.
He is the perfect example of a leader as everyone who knew what was going on realized he was the impetus of the team’s success. However, he had no arrogance. He just wanted to do the best he could for the Broncos’ regional and rabid following.
I realize that when I’m at my best in my day-to-day life, it’s because I’m being deferential to others, just as Bowlen did.
He will be eternally beloved by Broncos fans because of the way he handled things, always putting the team above his own interests.
Although SNF on NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth is not the most popular figure in Broncos Country (or for any NFL fanbase for that matter), he had an excellent tribute to Bowlen Friday:
Pat Bowlen is what this country so desperately needs, quiet leaders who accomplish great things. Dick Ebersol has told me there would not be @SNFonNBC without Pat Bowlen. The story of Pat being a man of his word is moving. Plus, 300 wins in 30 years. God Bless!
— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) June 14, 2019
I have no honest alternative but to echo Collinsworth’s sentiments.
I pledge to do my best to follow in Bowlen’s footsteps. I have also reached out to the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos on Twitter to see if they plan to honor Bowlen, a longtime successful lawyer in Edmonton, Alberta, before this evening’s kickoff as they host the Montreal Alouettes.
I think it would be a nice gesture to honor someone who many Edmontonians revere. That’s the magnificence of Bowlen: he had scarcely any enemies because of his grace, kindness, and selflessness.
As many have surmised on Twitter, it would also be a nice gesture if the Broncos named their stadium, Pat Bowlen Stadium at Mile High. We shall see what comes of this.