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With the sad passing of Denver Broncos legendary owner Pat Bowlen at the age of 75 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s, people from around the NFL community are reacting to the news. From fellow owners, to league commissions, and former players, are waking up to the sad news of this loss.
Paul Tagliabue, who was NFL Commissioner for 17 years and worked extensively with Bowlen throughout his time as Commish, called Bowlen one of the top five owners in NFL history.
“Pat Bowlen and I spent a great deal of time together during my 17 years as Commissioner,” Tagliabue said. “He volunteered on more than a dozen League Committees so we often had meetings in our New York office during the day and then enjoyed dinner conversation at night revolving around our families and his love for the Broncos, their fans and their players. Pat was an extraordinary leader and open-minded consensus builder. I have long considered Pat one of the top five NFL owners in league history.”
That sentiment was shared by dozens of others around the NFL. The overwhelming response got me to start saving the tweets and reading them all. Here is the collection of reactions, I’ve gathered so far.
Roger Goodell
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
NFL Owners
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
The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of @Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen. pic.twitter.com/Vh4ZDFvXqB
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) 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
The Colorado Rockies mourn the passing of Pat Bowlen. pic.twitter.com/aDTZOuhYVm
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 14, 2019
Current and Former Broncos
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
My condolences go out to the Bowlen Family. Much love and respect to Mr. Pat Bowlen - you will always be an inspiration to my family and me. You have touched and forever changed many lives with your leadership and kindness. RIP my friend.
— Steve Atwater (@SteveAtwater27) June 14, 2019
"It was an honor to know Mr. Bowlen and a real pleasure to have played for his team – The Denver Broncos.”
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 15, 2019
Peyton Manning on the passing of #Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen » https://t.co/0VXu3HDNwf pic.twitter.com/l3YMJQyjcH
On top of all of these Hall of Fame worthy accolades, Mr. B was a good man. He made it so fun to play for the Broncos because he cared so much and allowed you a chance every year to compete for the whole thing. RIP Pat Bowlen and God’s Blessings to the Bowlen Family. https://t.co/lgUeyl0AFZ
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) 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
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
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
Rip Mr Bowlen and prayers up for the family .
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) June 14, 2019
Aloha Mr. B! My friend and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen died last night. Pat will be and already has been missed. His example of clear and consistent leadership is the basis for lessons I teach in speeches around the country. Ride a wave in for me Pat.
— Karl Mecklenburg CSP, NFL (@KarlMecklenburg) June 14, 2019
Mr. B. You’ll be missed.
— Trevor Pryce (@Trevor_Pryce) 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
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
Thinking about and praying for the @Broncos and Bowlen family today. Mr. B, We had a relationship that went beyond football. I’ll always be grateful locking hands for prayers before games. Thank you for that love and support. RIP pic.twitter.com/SBGUIAn1g5
— Elvis Dumervil (@EKD92) June 14, 2019
Other Notable Tweets
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
One hall of famer on another - Broncos great @Terrell_Davis talks about what made Pat Bowlen such a special owner: pic.twitter.com/kutKOgMpqa
— Lindsay Joy (@LindsayJoyTV) June 14, 2019
RIP Pat Bowlen, a significant architect of a top franchise and of the NFL ... though he never wanted credit for either.
— Peter King (@peter_king) June 14, 2019
Pat Bowlen Field at Mile High.
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) June 14, 2019
One of my favorite pieces I wrote for @MileHighReport was about Pat Bowlen and the ruthlessness of the disease he was fighting. I'm happy his legacy will soon be enshrined in the NFL #HOF.#patbowlen #Alzheimers
— Kelly Fleming (@303_Kelly) June 14, 2019
https://t.co/eVFrMLLKxN
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
More on the life and career of @Broncos owner and Class of 2019 enshrinee Pat Bowlen. #RIPPatBowlen pic.twitter.com/4X0DaGBwzr
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) June 14, 2019
Fans showing support for Pat Bowlen this morning, leaving flowers by his statue at the stadium. pic.twitter.com/tdd9nPkeEp
— Phil Milani (@philmilani) June 14, 2019
Flags at half-staff at Broncos HQ today. pic.twitter.com/eSrfu4KsCg
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) June 14, 2019