Broncos owner Pat Bowlen relinquished day-to-day control of the team after acknowledging he’s battling Alzheimer’s. (Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post)
After 30 years at the helm, of the team’s day-to-day operations after acknowledging his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The daily duties of running the team will fall to Joe Ellis, who will assume the title of CEO in addition to president, though the long-term vision of Bowlen is to have one of his seven children run the team when the time is right.
Bowlen’s tenure with the Broncos has left an indelible mark on not just the team, but the entire NFL, its players and executives and, of course, the fans, who have always been his priority as owner.
“As many in the Denver community and around the National Football League have speculated, my husband, Pat, has very bravely and quietly battled Alzheimer’s disease for the last few years,” . He has elected to keep his condition private because he has strongly believed, and often said, ‘It’s not about me.’
“Pat has always wanted the focus to be solely on the Denver Broncos and the great fans who have supported this team with such passion during his 30 years as owner. My family is deeply saddened that Pat’s health no longer allows him to oversee the Broncos, which has led to this public acknowledgment of such a personal health condition.
“Alzheimer’s has taken so much from Pat, but it will never take away his love for the Denver Broncos and his sincere appreciation for the fans.”
After purchasing the Broncos in 1984, when he was 40, Bowlen last year became the first NFL owner to notch 300 career wins by his 30th season. During his three decades of leadership, he helped the franchise to six AFC Championships, back-to-back Super Bowl victories, in 1997 and 1998, and a .604 winning percentage (second to only the 49ers) with only five losing seasons.
While the news of his resignation from daily operations is saddening to all, the change actually took place a few years ago, , when Ellis was promoted to team president in 2011. Broncos business will continue as usual, but the exit of Bowlen is, and will continue to be felt, throughout the league.
Here’s how current and former Broncos, as well as media members, fans and athletes in other sports reacted to the news Wednesday:
Words can’t express the love, respect & gratitude I have for Pat Bowlen. He set the standard for team ownership. Keep Mr. B in your prayers.
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed)
//
////
Best wishes to Pat Bowlen and his family as he battles Alzheimer’s.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing)
//
////
Praying for
— Will Blackmon (@willblackmon)
//
////
Football training Camp in the air,PRAYERS for Pat Bowlen,His leadership should be an Example To Others
— Bernard Kosar (@BernieKosarQB)
//
////
Sad about Pat Bowlen. What a great owner he has been
— Chris R (@ravspdr)
//
////
Pat Bowlen stepped down from the Broncos. Thanks for all the years of great football and for being one of the best owners in pro sports.
— Corey (@liveformore90)
//
////
Thank you Pat Bowlen! We in Denver appreciate all of your efforts to keep us cheering for our home town team!
— Chrissy Loffert (@ctpilks)
//
////
