Imagine being left out of a celebration honoring your own legacy. That's exactly what the Bowlen family claims happened when the Denver Broncos marked their Super Bowl 50 anniversary and Demaryius Thomas' induction into the Ring of Fame. According to reports, none of Pat Bowlen's children were invited to the weekend's festivities, including a Saturday night dinner and events at Empower Field. But here's where it gets controversial: despite Bowlen's monumental impact on the franchise—three Super Bowl wins, seven Super Bowl appearances, and the creation of the Ring of Fame itself—his family was seemingly sidelined. Why? And this is the part most people miss: the Broncos, under new ownership, have yet to provide a clear explanation for the exclusion.
Pat Bowlen, who passed away in 2019 after battling Alzheimer's, left an indelible mark on the Broncos during his three-decade tenure. His seven children, from two marriages, 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.' Two of his daughters, Brittany and Annabel, whose mother Annabel Bowlen also suffers from Alzheimer's, would have represented the family at the events.
The Broncos, through a spokesman, declined to comment on the situation. However, sources reveal there were internal discussions about inviting the Bowlen family to what the team dubbed the largest alumni gathering in franchise history. So, why didn't they extend the invitation? Some speculate it could be tied to the messy ownership transition after Bowlen's death. Despite his wishes for the family to retain control, a lack of formal succession planning led to a trust taking over his 77% stake. A bitter legal battle among the siblings followed, ultimately resulting in the team's sale to the Walton-Penner group for a record-breaking $4.65 billion in 2022.
The Walton-Penner group, led by Greg and Carrie Penner, has emphasized the importance of honoring the team's history, including events with former players, coaches, and executives. Yet, the exclusion of the Bowlen family raises questions about their commitment to preserving the franchise's legacy. Is this a deliberate snub, or simply an oversight?
Adding to the emotional weight of the weekend, Demaryius Thomas' induction into the Ring of Fame was a poignant moment. Thomas, whose career with the Broncos (2010-2018) overlapped with Bowlen's tenure, was celebrated for his on-field talent and off-field character. 'It was players like Demaryius Thomas who inspired our dad to create the Ring of Fame,' Brittany and Annabel noted. 'D.T. embodied what it meant to be a Denver Bronco.'
As the Broncos move forward under new ownership, this incident leaves a lingering question: How will they balance honoring the past while charting a new course? And more importantly, does the Bowlen family deserve a seat at the table? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that’s far from over.
