DENVER — Hall of Fame Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has died at the age of 75 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, his family announced early Friday morning.
There has been an outpouring of support for the longtime and beloved owner, who bought the team in 1984 and led the Broncos to seven Super Bowl appearances and three NFL championships.
MORE: Click herefor Broncos Insider Troy Renck's obituary of "Mr. B," with more reaction from those who knew him best.
A public celebration of life for late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen will be held Tuesday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, the team announced Friday.
We are gathering reaction to Bowlen's death from current and former players, NFL teams and brass, and Colorado leadership below:
Broncos leadership and Bowlen family
Bowlen Family (Wife Annabel, Children Amie, Beth, Patrick, Johnny, Brittany, Annabel, Christianna)
“We are saddened to inform everyone that our beloved husband and father, Pat Bowlen, passed on to the next chapter of his life late Thursday night peacefully at home surrounded by family. His soul will live on through the Broncos, the city of Denver and all of our fans.
“Our family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received in recent years. Heaven got a little bit more orange and blue tonight.
“Pat Bowlen had a competitive spirit with a great sense of humor. As fun-loving as he was, he always wanted us to understand the big picture. We will forever remember his kindness and humility.
“More important than being an incredible owner, Pat Bowlen was an incredible human being.”
Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis
“This is a very sad day for our organization, our community and the National Football League. Pat Bowlen was the heart and soul of the Denver Broncos. Not only was Pat a Hall of Fame owner—He was a Hall of Fame person. His competitiveness, kindness and humility are the qualities that I will always remember. Even during his battle with Alzheimer’s, you could still see that same strength and dignity in Pat that he brought to the office every single day for more than 30 years.
“Pat was the driving force in establishing the championship culture of the Broncos. He was also an extraordinary leader at the league level during a key period of growth. It wasn’t all about what Pat did as an owner, but it was the way he did it. The relationships he enjoyed with his players were real and sincere. Pat truly cared about the players in a very genuine way and always wanted them to get the credit. He preferred to be in the background and put every resource toward winning Super Bowls. With the fans, Pat felt in many ways that his team belonged to them and approached things with that in mind. There will never be another owner like Pat Bowlen. My heart goes out to his wife, Annabel, all of his children and all of our fans.”
Broncos President of Football Operations and General Manager John Elway
“Pat gave me so much and he was someone that I always looked up to. He gave this team everything we needed to be the best and compete for championships, and the focus was always on football. That’s all you can ask for in an owner—yet he did more.
“He was a tremendous mentor to me and a tremendous friend. Pat was a great listener, always asking what was going on, and I learned so much from watching him. He was a terrific leader. Whether things were going right or things weren’t going right, he would always let you know what we needed to get better.
“He did a great job of applying pressure at the right times but always trusted his football people to make the right decisions. Other than his family, nothing meant more to Pat than making sure the Denver Broncos were successful. What he did for this team, this city and the entire NFL will never be matched. His shoes will never be filled.
“I will miss Pat greatly and will always treasure the times we had together. We’ll continue to take care of his team as if he were here today. My deepest sympathies are with Annabel and the entire Bowlen family.”
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Owner E. Stanley Kroenke
“Pat Bowlen was much more than a great sports team owner. He was a great man and friend. He cared deeply about his community, always putting his team and his fans first.
“Pat fostered a special bond with his players, encouraging them to be leaders not only on the field but also to be leaders in their community and in business.
“On behalf of my family and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, we wish the Bowlen family and the entire Denver Broncos organization comfort and solace in this difficult time. Mr. Bowlen will be missed, but his legacy and impact in Colorado and the NFL will continue for generations.”
NFL and officials
We are saddened to share that @Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has passed away at age 75. pic.twitter.com/knFhDaT2n0
— NFL (@NFL) June 14, 2019
Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the passing of Pat Bowlen: https://t.co/CNQpWeiKkd
— NFL345 (@NFL345) June 14, 2019
Pat Bowlen was driven by the will to succeed and his competitive spirit made him a great leader. We all will greatly miss him and his kindness, passion and wisdom. Pat had a deep love for the game of football, the Broncos and the City of Denver.
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) June 14, 2019
Our league is also better because of Pat’s extraordinary contributions. As co-chair of the NFL Management Council Executive Committee and the chair of the Broadcasting Committee, Pat played an instrumental role in many facets of our League that benefited fans, players and clubs.
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) June 14, 2019
Pat personified all that’s right about the NFL and is extremely deserving of this summer’s recognition as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) June 14, 2019
Pat Bowlen's legacy includes, among many other accolades, a spot in the Hall of Fame and a trio of Vince Lombardi trophies. pic.twitter.com/5ZbQI3UjrC
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) June 14, 2019
Four iconic words no @Broncos fan will ever forget.
— NFL (@NFL) June 14, 2019
"THIS ONE'S FOR JOHN."
Rest in peace, Pat Bowlen. 🙏 (via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/DHD1faBCN5
.@Broncos 24, Panthers 10@SuperBowl 50 gave Pat Bowlen his third World Championship. 🙌 (via @NFLNetwork) pic.twitter.com/VJNDjhxfCW
— NFL (@NFL) June 14, 2019
We are saddened to learn Class of 2019 Enshrinee Pat Bowlen has passed away on Thursday night at the age of 75.
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) June 14, 2019
More on his life and legacy: https://t.co/qaWuqCJOKi pic.twitter.com/ERfNfQ1PjA
NFL teams and owners</h3>
Statement from Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt on the passing of Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. pic.twitter.com/a7Lc4NMDSV
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 14, 2019
Statement from #Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford on the passing of Pat Bowlen: pic.twitter.com/qdIxM9yK6t
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 14, 2019
Statement from Buffalo Bills Owners Terry and Kim Pegula: pic.twitter.com/c2vfBz2rTA
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 14, 2019
We send our condolences and sympathies to the Bowlen family and the entire Broncos organization. https://t.co/onSdMnViHO
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) June 14, 2019
Statement from #Redskins Owner Dan Snyder. pic.twitter.com/JgQSCrhJ88
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) June 14, 2019
Rest In Peace, Pat Bowlen. Classy owner of the Denver Broncos, he was the first NFL owner to win 300 games in his first 30 years. My sympathies go out to Annabel and the entire family.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) June 14, 2019
Statement from Robert Kraft on the passing of Pat Bowlen: https://t.co/lq4Jd1aeGM pic.twitter.com/dRCcJzLkNh
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 14, 2019
Our condolences go out to the entire Bowlen family, and the @Broncos organization.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 14, 2019
Statement from Arthur Blank - https://t.co/xt8aoYYTuZ
Rest In Peace, Pat Bowlen. Classy owner of the Denver Broncos, he was the first NFL owner to win 300 games in his first 30 years. My sympathies go out to Annabel and the entire family.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) June 14, 2019
The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of @Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen. pic.twitter.com/Vh4ZDFvXqB
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 14, 2019
Our hearts go out to the entire Pat Bowlen family and @broncos organization. pic.twitter.com/xsPqgZ0JJw
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 14, 2019
Our hearts and thoughts are with the Bowlen family and the Broncos organization. pic.twitter.com/cBNFDgprKx
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) June 14, 2019
Pat Bowlen is what this country so desperately needs, quiet leaders who accomplish great things. Dick Ebersol has told me there would not be @SNFonNBC without Pat Bowlen. The story of Pat being a man of his word is moving. Plus, 300 wins in 30 years. God Bless!
— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) June 14, 2019
Current and former Broncos players
I will miss Pat greatly and will always treasure the times we had together.
— John Elway (@johnelway) June 14, 2019
He was a tremendous mentor and a tremendous friend. My heart goes out to Annabel and the entire Bowlen family. pic.twitter.com/hBwtIAOisQ
I just woke up to the the very sad news of my friend & confidant Mr.B passing away.The world has lost a great man/legend.My heart & prayers to the Bowlen family.
— Terrell Davis (@Terrell_Davis) June 14, 2019
Mr.B, I’ll never forget the impact you had on my life.I can’t thank you enough. Rest In Peace, TD#patbowlen #broncos pic.twitter.com/93x25GFOcr
We have lost a great man. Mr. B’s deep love of the game of football and his competitiveness drove him to build a storied franchise in Denver. I was blessed to have known him and played for him. Rest In Peace.
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) June 14, 2019
Rip Mr Bowlen and prayers up for the family .
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) June 14, 2019
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Bowlen family and all friends and acquaintances of a remarkable man #patbowlen #broncos As a player with the @Broncos it was awesome to have an owner that loved his players & did everything he could to help us succeed both on & off the field!
— Jake Plummer (@snakestakes) June 14, 2019
Thank you Mr. Bowlen for everything♥️
— DeMarcus Walker (@livinglegend_44) June 14, 2019
I never had the privilege to meet you in person but based on the first class organization you build, in the Broncos, it is clear you were a tremendous leader and person. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bowlen family today.
— Casey Kreiter (@caseykreiter) June 14, 2019
Thank you so much for everything you did for the game of football. You left an ever lasting legacy Mr B pic.twitter.com/eDiGqRBueh
— Brandon McManus (@thekidmcmanus) June 14, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Bowlen family and the @Broncos organization. Mr. B was everything you could ask for in an owner. I am grateful beyond words for him and how he led us. Thanks for everything Mr. B!
— Jason Elam (@Jason_Elam) June 14, 2019
Few cities love their team owner the way that Denver loves Mr Bowlen. As a local kid that lived his dream of playing for him I say thank you for creating a championship environment in which wins & losses were hugely important yet only a piece of what being champion truly means.
— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) June 14, 2019
RIP to Mr. Bowlen 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) June 14, 2019
Rest In Peace Mr. Bowlen. Praying extra hard for the Bowlen family today 🙏🏽
— Garett Bolles (@gbolles72) June 14, 2019
As I sit here sad. I'm also happy that I was able to have such a great man in my life! Pat Bowlen, I thank you for ALL that you did for my Family and for the Broncos Organization. You will forever be remembered by all those Families that you touched and changed. RIH my friend!🙏🏾
— Ray Crockett (@SlickPickSix39) June 14, 2019
Rest in Heaven Mr. Bowlen!! You changed a lot of individuals lives throughout your life, from the players and people directly associated with the organization to the community. You left an everlasting mark! Thank… https://t.co/EcWu8RDgwT
— David BRUTON JR. (@D_Brut30) June 14, 2019
Colorado reactions
Sad to hear about the passing of Pat Bowlen. His accomplishments in life were amazing, including brining 3 Super Bowl titles to Denver as Broncos owner. His legacy & impact on the state will be remembered for years to come in many ways. My thoughts are with his family & friends.
— Jared Polis (@GovofCO) June 14, 2019
We are deeply saddened by the passing of @Broncos owner, Pat Bowlen. Pat bravely shared his Alzheimer's diagnosis and was an inspiration for others to share their own Alzheimer's story. For Pat, and everyone affected, we will continue the fight to #ENDALZ https://t.co/6Ms9Cr05kn
— Alzheimer's Assoc. (@alzassociation) June 14, 2019
Saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Bowlen. Pat's love of his players, the Broncos organization, and the Denver community was evident in everything he did.
— Michael Bennet (@SenatorBennet) June 14, 2019
Our sincere condolences to his family and the entire Broncos community. https://t.co/6UYrxjQx0F
My prayers and the thoughts of all of Broncos Country are with Bowlen family and his loved ones as they mourn his passing. 🙏🏾
— Michael B. Hancock (@MayorHancock) June 14, 2019
The Colorado Rockies mourn the passing of Pat Bowlen. pic.twitter.com/aDTZOuhYVm
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 14, 2019
Today we lost more than our owner, we lost our dear friend. I stand side by side with the rest of #BroncosCountry mourning the loss but also celebrating the life of Mr Bowlen! RIP Mr B
— mark schlereth (@markschlereth) June 14, 2019