KUSA - A statue of Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen was unveiled in a private ceremony Saturday evening on the south end of Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
The statue, which was commissioned and financed through a group of community leaders with sponsorship ties to the team, captures Mr. Bowlen is his customary pose on the sideline during Broncos games. Work on the project began in January by Brian Hanlon, who also sculpted the 27 Ring of Fame tributes at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
"Pat has never sought the spotlight and never asked for the accolades during his 31 years as owner of the Broncos," said Annabel Bowlen, wife of Pat Bowlen. "It's very humbling four our family to have Pat receive this recognition for what he has, and continues to mean, to the Denver Broncos."
Fittingly situated in a center position in Ring of Fame Plaza in front of "The Broncos" sculpture of wild horses, the statue stands nine feet tall and is placed in front of a curved wall incorporating massive bronze plaques containing information about the first owner in professional football to achieve 300 wins in 30 years.
"Pat is a friend and a mentor and is somebody that has clearly made a profound impact not only on the Denver Broncos but the NFL," Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said. "I'm very pleased that tonight he is getting the kind of recognition that he so deserves but has never sought out."
Mr. Bowlen, who is in his 31st year as owner of the Broncos, has positioned the organization as one of the elite franchises in all of sports. This week, a Harris Poll named the Broncos as America's favorite team—a testament to the winning culture and first-class standards established by Mr. Bowlen throughout his tenure in Denver.
"The statue of Pat pays tribute to the important role he's had in this community—with the Denver Broncos and throughout various philanthropic endeavors—as well as the National Football League," Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis said.
No owner has been to more Super Bowls (6) than Mr. Bowlen, who has amassed 311 overall wins, 18 winning seasons, 16 playoff berths, 11 division titles, eight conference championship game appearances and two World Championships since he purchased the team in 1984.
