Imagine being left out of a celebration honoring your own legacy. That's exactly what the Bowlen family claims happened during the Denver Broncos' recent anniversary festivities. ESPN's Jeff Legwold, a seasoned journalist with over two decades covering the Broncos, breaks down the surprising exclusion of Pat Bowlen's family from the team's 10th-year anniversary of their Super Bowl 50 victory and the induction of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas into the Broncos' Ring of Fame.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite Pat Bowlen's monumental 30-year tenure as owner—a period marked by seven Super Bowl appearances and three championships—none of his children were invited to the weekend's events. This includes a Saturday night dinner, pre-game ceremonies at Empower Field, and halftime celebrations during the Broncos' matchup against the New York Giants. Bowlen's daughters, Brittany and Annabel, expressed their disappointment in a statement, emphasizing their pride in their father's legacy and their desire to participate in the commemorations.
And this is the part most people miss... Pat Bowlen, who stepped away from the team in 2014 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (a condition his second wife, Annabel, also faced), had envisioned his family retaining control of the franchise after his passing. However, the absence of a formal succession plan led to a trust managing his 77% stake in the team. A bitter legal battle among the siblings over control ultimately resulted in the Broncos' sale to the Walton-Penner group in 2022 for a record-breaking $4.65 billion.
The Broncos, through a spokesperson, declined to comment on the Bowlens' exclusion. Yet, sources reveal internal discussions about inviting the family to what the team billed as the largest alumni gathering in franchise history. Traditionally, family members of deceased Ring of Fame inductees are included in such events, making the Bowlens' absence even more glaring.
Demaryius Thomas, whose career with the Broncos (2010-2018) overlapped with Bowlen's ownership, was honored with a pillar in the Ring of Fame plaza and a ceremony attended by his family and former teammates. Brittany and Annabel Bowlen poignantly noted that players like Thomas—known for his talent, joy, and humility—inspired their father to create the Ring of Fame in the first place.
While the Walton-Penner group, led by Greg and Carrie Penner, has emphasized the importance of honoring the team's history, this situation raises questions about the treatment of the Bowlen legacy. Is it fair to exclude the family of the man who shaped the Broncos into a Super Bowl dynasty? Or does new ownership have the right to redefine the team's narrative?
What do you think? Should the Bowlen family have been included in these celebrations? Let us know in the comments below!
