Pat Bowlen not expected to attend Broncos Ring of Fame induction
A meaningless 2002 preseason game provided a backdrop for how much Broncos owner Pat Bowlen meant to his players. Most know the numbers of his three-decade reign, most notably that the Broncos have posted more Super Bowl appearances (six) than losing seasons (five).
Behind the scenes, Bowlen exhibited a humble touch with players. As the Broncos embark on 10 events honoring their owner, culminating with Sunday night’s induction into the Ring of Fame, president Joe Ellis reflected on a favorite memory of Bowlen, who is not expected to attend as he battles Alzheimer’s disease.
The Broncos faced the Chicago Bears at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Tackle Matt Lepsis learned at halftime that his wife had gone into labor with possible complications. He paced the sideline worried. Bowlen reacted quickly, informing staff Lepsis would travel back to Denver with him.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stands on the sidelines late during Denver’s first home game of the 1996 season against the New York Jets.
John Elway hoists the trophy after the Broncos 26-16 win over the Patriots in the AFC Championship game on January 19, 2014 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. At right is Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen signs a banner for a Broncos fan before Denver’s win over the Bengals on September 13, 2009 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen during pregame drills on September 18, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen watches the team warm up before their win over the Browns on September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen on October 16, 2005 at Invesco Field At Mile High.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, left, shoots a miniature basketball at a hoop before talking to the media at the team’s headquarters in Denver on Jan. 9, 1995. Broncos director of media relations Jim Saccomano watches the shot.
Owner Pat Bowlen smiles while puffing on cigar in the locker room after his Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII on Jan. 25, 1998.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, right, holds on to the Lombardi Trophy as he prepares to step out of the Colorado Rockies dugout to take part in a pre-game ceremony to honor the Super Bowl XXXII champion Denver Broncos on June 3, 1998, in Denver’s Coors Field.
Team owner Pat Bowlen during the Denver Broncos and the St. Louis Rams game at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Sept. 10, 2006.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen walks among his players before the game against the Raiders in Oakland on Sept. 20, 1998.