Former Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Saturday evening. Longtime Broncos trainer Steve “Greek” Antonopulos served as Bowlen’s presenter.
The Bowlen family purchased the Broncos from Edgar Kaiser in 1984 and Pat served as the CEO and controlling owner from then until 2014, when he stepped down from day-to-day duties to continue his battle with Alzheimer’s disease but remained the team’s owner.
During his 35 years as Denver’s owner (1984-2019), Bowlen helped the Broncos secure 354 overall wins, 300 consecutive sellouts, 18 playoff berths, 13 AFC West titles and three World Championships. Under Bowlen’s ownership, the Broncos had as many Super Bowl appearances (seven) as losing seasons.
Bowlen’s 354 wins rank fourth among owners in the modern era and his seven Super Bowl appearances rank second in NFL history. He was the fastest owner in league history to reach 350 wins (581 games) and his team had the third-best winning percentage (.598) in the NFL during his tenure.
Bowlen passed away at his home on June 13. He was 75 years old.
