A family's exclusion from a beloved team's celebrations has sparked controversy and left many questioning the decisions made by the current ownership.
The Bowlen Family's Heartache
In a recent statement, members of the Bowlen family, former owners of the Denver Broncos, revealed their disappointment at being excluded from the team's 10th-year anniversary celebrations of their Super Bowl 50 victory. The event also marked the induction of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas into the team's Ring of Fame.
The Bowlen family, including Pat Bowlen's seven children, expressed their desire to be a part of the weekend's reunions and events. Pat Bowlen's tenure as owner was a remarkable one, with an impressive record of Super Bowl appearances and wins. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the team's success, and his children wanted to honor that.
"We would have loved to celebrate our father's achievements and the team's accomplishments," said Brittany and Annabel Bowlen, two of Pat Bowlen's daughters. "Our father built something special, and we are proud to continue celebrating his legacy."
But here's where it gets controversial: the Bowlen family was not invited to any of the celebrations, including a Saturday night dinner, pre-game events, or even the halftime ceremony.
Pat Bowlen, who stepped down from daily operations due to his Alzheimer's diagnosis, passed away in 2019. His wife, Annabel, also suffers from the disease, leaving his children to represent the family.
The Broncos, through a spokesperson, declined to comment on the exclusion. However, sources revealed that there were discussions within the team about inviting the Bowlen family, especially considering the team's history and the significance of the occasion.
And this is the part most people miss: the Ring of Fame, an honor created by Pat Bowlen himself, is usually an occasion for family members of deceased inductees to be present. Yet, the Bowlen family was not extended this courtesy.
Demaryius Thomas, whose induction ceremony will take place before Sunday's game against the New York Giants, was a key player during Pat Bowlen's ownership. His impact on the team and the community is undeniable, and his induction is a significant moment for the Broncos.
The current owners, the Walton-Penner group, purchased the team for a record-breaking $4.65 billion in 2022. They have emphasized the importance of engaging with former players, coaches, and executives, but the exclusion of the Bowlen family raises questions about their commitment to honoring the team's history.
"It's a shame that the Bowlen family, who have given so much to the Broncos, were not included in these celebrations," said a former player who wished to remain anonymous. "Their absence is a missed opportunity to celebrate the team's past and present."
As the Broncos move forward under new ownership, the exclusion of the Bowlen family leaves a sour taste. It raises questions about the team's values and respect for its own history.
What do you think? Should the Bowlen family have been invited to these celebrations? Is it important for teams to honor their past owners and players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
