Broncos Founder Bob Howsam Dies at 89

Bob Howsam, one of three founders of the Denver Broncos, died earlier today in Sun City, AZ, according to his son Robert Howsam. He and his father, Lee, and brother, Earl, founded the Broncos as one of eight charter members of the American Football League in 1959.

Howsam’s family built Bears Stadium in Denver, the original field for the Class A Western League and Class AAA American Association team Denver Bears. Bears Stadium would later become Mile High Stadium.

Howsam and his family sold the struggling Broncos franchise in 1964, and Howsam went on to have a very successful career in baseball. He would later be inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame for his 11 years as General Manager for the two-time world champions.

Howsam’s son indicated that his father had been suffering from heart problems. He would have turned 90 on February 28.

R.I.P., Bob. Thanks for creating a team that has brought so much joy to so many lives, including mine.

• Howsam, Denver sports pioneer, dead at 89 [Rocky Mountain News]