Imagine being excluded from celebrating the legacy you helped build. That's exactly what the Bowlen family claims happened during the Denver Broncos' recent anniversary festivities.
In a surprising turn of events, members of the family of former Broncos owner Pat Bowlen say they were left out of the team's 10th-anniversary celebration of their Super Bowl 50 victory and the induction of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas into the Broncos' Ring of Fame. According to the family, none of Bowlen's children were invited to the weekend's events, including a Saturday night dinner, pre-game ceremonies, or the halftime honors at Empower Field. This is particularly striking given Bowlen's monumental impact on the franchise during his three-decade tenure, which included seven Super Bowl appearances and three championships.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the Broncos organization, through a spokesman, declined to comment on the exclusion, sources reveal there were internal discussions about inviting the Bowlen family. Yet, no invitation was extended. Two of Bowlen's daughters, Brittany and Annabel, expressed their disappointment in a statement, saying, 'We would have loved to have been part of this weekend's reunions and events. We will always be proud and continue to celebrate what our father and this team built together.'
Pat Bowlen, who passed away in 2019 after battling Alzheimer's disease, left an indelible mark on the Broncos. He even created the Ring of Fame in 1984 to honor the team's legends. Interestingly, family members of deceased Ring of Fame inductees are typically invited to such events, making the Bowlens' absence even more puzzling. Adding to the complexity, Annabel Bowlen, the mother of Brittany and Annabel, was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2018, meaning the children would have represented the family.
And this is the part most people miss... The Walton-Penner group, which purchased the Broncos for a record-breaking $4.65 billion in 2022, has emphasized the importance of honoring the team's history. Yet, the exclusion of the Bowlen family raises questions about how the new ownership values the legacy of the man who shaped the franchise. Greg and Carrie Penner, who oversee daily operations, have stated that events with former players, coaches, and executives are 'very important' to them. So, why was the Bowlen family left out?
Demaryius Thomas, whose career with the Broncos (2010-2018) overlapped with Bowlen's tenure, was celebrated with a public ceremony and a plaque in the Ring of Fame plaza. His name was also unveiled on the stadium façade during halftime, alongside honors for the Super Bowl 50 team. In their statement, Brittany and Annabel Bowlen noted, 'It was players like Demaryius Thomas who inspired our dad to create the Ring of Fame. D.T., beyond his talent on the field, led with joy, humility, and kindness and embodied what it meant to be a Denver Bronco.'
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does the exclusion of the Bowlen family reflect a broader disconnect between the Broncos' past and its future under new ownership? Pat Bowlen had hoped his family would retain control of the team after his death, but without a formal succession plan, his 77% stake was placed in a trust. A bitter legal battle among the siblings ultimately led to the team's sale. Now, as the Broncos move forward under the Walton-Penner group, the absence of the Bowlen family from such a significant celebration feels like a missed opportunity to honor the man who made the franchise what it is today.
What do you think? Should the Bowlen family have been included in the celebrations? Let us know in the comments below!
