Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and executive vice president of football operations John Elway celebrate after the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was elected as the 28th member of the team’s Ring of Fame on Wednesday.
The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 1, at halftime of the Broncos’ Sunday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Bowlen, who is entering his 32nd year as the owner of the Broncos, is the only owner in NFL history to record 300 victories during his first 30 seasons. He has recorded the most regular-season wins (301), overall wins (319), winning seasons (19) and playoff appearances (17) among owners since purchasing the team in 1984.
Bowlen’s six Super Bowl appearances rank second all-time among owners. The team’s back-to-back NFL championships with John Elway at quarterback — in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII for the1997 and 1998 seasons — made Bowlen as one of only 11 owners to have multiple titles.
“There is NOBODY more deserving to be in the Broncos Ring of Fame than Pat Bowlen. Congrats, Mr. B!!!” Elway, now the team’s vice president of football operations and general manager, wrote on Twitter.
Elway, who was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 1999 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, also issued a statement Wednesday.
“I’ve had the privilege of working for Pat Bowlen for nearly 30 years, and he is the most deserving of anyone ever elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame,” Elway said. “As one of his players for many years and now in my current role, Pat has given us every opportunity and every resource to put the best football team on the field and compete for championships.
“Pat has been such an integral part of what the Denver Broncos have become as well as what the National Football League has become. His dedication to the success of his team and the growth of the league define his ownership of the Broncos.
“In my opinion, Pat Bowlen is one of the greatest contributors in the history of professional football — not just the Denver Broncos. I congratulate Pat on his election to the Broncos Ring of Fame and look forward to the day he is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
The Broncos Ring of Fame was created by Bowlen in 1984 to honor former players and administrators who played significant roles the franchise’s history.
“On behalf of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Committee, I am very pleased to announce that Owner Pat Bowlen has been elected to the Ring of Fame by a unanimous vote,” Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. “Nobody is more deserving of this prestigious recognition than ‘Mr. B,’ whose contributions to the Broncos, this community and the National Football League are truly immeasurable.
“Pat Bowlen’s iconic, three-decade ownership of the Broncos includes an extraordinary winning tradition and a positive impact in our community. He has also had a profound influence on the growth of the league through his tireless work and dedication serving its various committees and initiatives. This is a great day for the Denver Broncos and our fans. We look forward to honoring Pat and celebrating his achievements with the Bowlen family when he is officially inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame this season.”
On July 23, 2014, Bowlen resigned his control of the team to focus on battling Alzheimer’s Disease.
“I am incredibly proud of Pat joining the Broncos Ring of Fame,” said Annabel Bowlen, his wife. “It’s very humbling for my family to see Pat receive this honor for everything he has meant to the Broncos during his 32 years as owner.
“Pat created the Ring of Fame when he first became owner as a way to pay tribute to this team’s all-time greats. It’s fitting that he will now stand alongside these amazing Broncos who have had such an outstanding and lasting impact on this franchise.
“Pat’s contributions to the Broncos and the National Football League are the result of his competiveness, humility and generosity. From day one, Pat has kept an intense focus on winning and doing things the right way while always viewing himself as a steward of a team that ultimately belongs to the fans. My family is absolutely thrilled that Pat Bowlen is the newest member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.”
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak also issued a statement.
“I’m very happy for Pat and the Bowlen family with the announcement that ‘Mr. B’ is the Broncos’ newest Ring of Famer,” Kubiak said. “Mr. Bowlen has been an extremely important man in my life for the last 30-plus years as both a player and coach. I have immense respect for Pat and consider myself fortunate to have seen up close what he has meant to the Denver Broncos and the National Football League throughout his ownership.
“When you talk about Pat Bowlen, you have to mention the high standard he has, how much he wants to win and how well he treats others. His kindness has extended to my entire family, and I believe that is one of the key qualities that makes him so successful as an owner. Mr. Bowlen is an unbelievable owner. His election to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame is a tremendous honor that is very much deserved.”
