Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, who has owned the team for 30 years, has resigned control of the team after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Denver Post. Control of the Broncos now goes to team president Joe Ellis. Bowlen’s wife released a statement about her husband’s condition to the paper:
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen steps down due to Alzheimer’s
Bowlen spent 30 successful years as the owner of the Broncos.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
"As many in the Denver community and around the National Football League have speculated, my husband, Pat, has very bravely and quietly battled Alzheimer's disease for the last few years," Annabel Bowlen said in a statement. "He has elected to keep his condition private because he has strongly believed, and often said, 'It's not about me.'
"Pat has always wanted the focus to be solely on the Denver Broncos and the great fans who have supported this team with such passion during his 30 years as owner. My family is deeply saddened that Pat's health no longer allows him to oversee the Broncos, which has led to this public acknowledgment of such a personal health condition."
While Ellis will have the final say over team decisions, the team itself has been handed over to the Pat Bowlen Trust, which is not controlled by Bowlen’s family members. However, according to the article, Bowlen wants the team to stay in the family and for one of his kids to run the team. Bowlen has not been involved in major business decisions for some time, as Ellis and John Elway run the team jointly.
In his 30 years owning the Broncos, Bowlen has lifted the team to new heights and become one of the best owners in the NFL, with a long list of accomplishments:
Pat Bowlen is the only owner in NFL history to get to 300 wins in his first 30 seasons, and has been to a record-tying six Super Bowls.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 23, 2014 In 1984, Pat Bowlen bought the Broncos for $78M.. Under his guidance, 6 SB appearances.. According to Forbes, team's value is over $1.1B
— Kevin Negandhi (@KNegandhiESPN) July 23, 2014 See More:
