clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Pat Bowlen reaches milestone 300th win as owner of the Denver Broncos

Overlooked in the Broncos 28-20 victory on the road against San Diego, was the fact that Pat Bowlen became the 1st owner in NFL History to win 300 games within his first 30 years of ownership. If fact Mr. Bowlen accomplished the feat in 29 seasons and 9 games.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos from 1984-Present

Season

Record

Result

1984

13-3

AFC West Champion

1985

11-5

---

1986

11-5

AFC Champion

1987

10-4-1

AFC Champion

1988

8-8

---

1989

11-5

AFC Champion

1990

5-11

---

1991

12-4

AFC West Champion

1992

8-8

---

1993

9-7

Wildcard

1994

7-9

---

1995

8-8

---

1996

13-3

AFC West Champion

1997

12-4

Super Bowl 32 Champion

1998

14-2

Super Bowl 32 Champion

1999

6-10

---

2000

11-5

Wildcard

2001

8-8

---

2002

9-7

---

2003

10-6

Wildcard

2004

10-6

Wildcard

2005

13-3

AFC West Champion

2006

9-7

---

2007

7-9

---

2008

8-8

---

2009

8-8

---

2010

4-12

---

2011

8-8

AFC West Champion

2012

13-3

AFC West Champion

2013

8-1

???

29 seasons and 9 games

300-187-1 (.615)

5 SB appearances

2 titles

15 playoff appearances

10 division titles

It is astounding to think that Mr. Bowlen has had this team competitive and in the playoffs what will become 16 times in 30 seasons. Here are some more thoughts surrounding this capstone achievement via DenverBroncos.com:

In the last 30 years, the team ranks second in regular-season wins and Super Bowl appearances in addition to finishing with the fewest losing seasons among non-expansion teams during that span.

"Pat was a guy that really turned everything around and made winning the tradition with the Broncos," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said at an offseason banquet honoring Bowlen for his philanthropic leadership throughout the state of Colorado.

As Bowlen explained it, when former Broncos Owner Edgar Kaiser decided he wanted to sell the team in 1984, he was "first in line."

He was introduced as the majority owner of the Denver Broncos on March 23, 1984, and he and the Bowlen family acquired 100 percent ownership of the Broncos in July 1985.

"When I look back, I can honestly say that the fans really bought into that team," Bowlen said this offseason. "It wasn't me. They bought into that team."

That relationship between the fans and the franchise has never been lost on Bowlen.

He said that the Broncos franchise is "not just the players and it's not just Pat Bowlen, it's the people who live here in town."

The connection on the fans' side seems to stem from the fact that Bowlen's main focus every single year is on hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of it.

"He puts all his attention to doing the right thing by the fans, this community and putting the best football team he can on the field each year," Broncos President Joe Ellis said in May. "I think the fans appreciate the effort that he puts forth to put the best possible team he can out there and try to win the Super Bowl."

Here's a Mile High Salute to the greatest owner in Colorado Sports History, Thank you Pat Bowlen!

Broncos Fans everywhere owe you a debt of gratitude for all you've done!