Broncos’ Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen Turns 68

Bowlen brought in John Elway and John Fox last off-season, and Denver's following season was the team's most successful one since the 2005 season. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

On this day (February 18th) sixty-eight years ago, Denver Broncos Majority Owner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Pat Bowlen was born. Introduced as the majority owner of the team in1984, Bowlen has positioned the Broncos among the league’s top franchises over the past 28 seasons.

Since he was announced as the team’s owner, Bowlen’s Broncos have won 263 games.  Only two teams, the San Francisco 49ers (272 wins) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (264 wins) have won more games in that same time frame.  Including the post-season, Denver has won 279 games during Bowlen’s tenure with the club.

Under Bowlen, the Broncos have won the AFC West nine times and have earned a playoff birth fourteen times.  Since Bowlen purchased the team, Denver’s’ five Super Bowl appearances represent the second most in the NFL.

The Broncos’ 309-game scoring streak in the regular season is the longest active streak in the NFL (dates back to 1992) and ranks second all time in league annals.  Denver’s success under Bowlen leads many to believe that Bowlen is one of the best owners in all of sports.

Bowlen no longer plays a major role in the Broncos’ decision making (the decisions are now made by Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway, Head Coach John Fox, General Manager Brian Xanders and President Joe Ellis), but he still writes the team’s checks and has more power than anyone else in the building.  On his birthday, we proudly give Pat Bowlen a Mile High Salute.  Here’s to many more successful years under Pat!