Every member of Broncos Country is excited to see Pat Bowlen move a step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Seldom has there been such a kinship between owner and fandom.
The statistics are overwhelming, from being the only owner to have his team win 300 games in his first 30 years, to key membership in virtually every major committee the National Football League has ever had, to being widely — and accurately — regarded as the father of "Sunday Night Football."
The list goes on and on, but all my best memories of Pat have to do with him as a man, and that is likely why he is such a great owner.
For me, it began the day I picked him up for his introductory press conference.
That in itself was a situation that could never happen now. Now there would be a cadre of security and team dignitaries present to take him, but then it truly was just me in my company car, picking up new owner Pat Bowlen and his attorney, Bill Britton.
Bill sat in the front seat, Pat in the back, and I was appropriately nervous.
"Mr. Bowlen, I have come up with some talking points," I said.
"What are talking points," he replied.
"They are some ideas about questions the press might ask, and ways you might answer them."
"I'm not too worried about any of that," the new owner replied. "They can ask me anything they want and I will do my best to answer them."
I thought to myself, "This could be really, really good."
And it has been beyond really, really good. It has been great for 34 years, and Pat Bowlen has been the measuring stick for ownership in pro sports.
He has always been "Pat," if that is what employees chose to call him. He told me early on that one way to know that someone had never met him was if they called him "Patrick." He has always been Pat or "Mr. B."
A look back through Broncos history at some of the most memorable photos from Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen's tenure leading the team.
Terrell Davis, Pat Bowlen, and John Elway share the glory of their Super Bowl victory against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Owner Pat Bowlen and general manager John Beake talk in August 1984.
Coach Dan Reeves and owner Pat Bowlen talk during a November 1985 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen talks with center Billy Bryan on the sideline during a September 1985 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Dan Reeves watch the Broncos during a November 1986 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen holds up the Lamar Hunt (AFC Championship) Trophy after the January 11, 1987 overtime win (23-30) in Cleveland as coach Dan Reeves, the media's interviewer Ahmad Rashaad and Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt look on.
General manager John Beake talks with owner Pat Bowlen during an August 25, 1988 preseason win (21-20) over the Indianapolis Colts at Mile High Stadium.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches a November 1990 game from the sideline.
Owner Pat Bowlen and running back Tony Dorsett meet with President George Bush in December 1989.
Owner Pat Bowlen honors former hostage Thomas Sutherland at a December 1991 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches from the sideline during a January 1994 playoff loss (30-33) at the Los Angeles Raiders.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue talks with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in Japan during the American Bowl in 1995.
Adam Schefler talks with owner Pat Bowlen at the 1995 American Bowl in Japan.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches a November 1995 win (30-27) against the San Diego Chargers.
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan talk during 1995 training camp.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and 49ers president Carmen Policy pose before the 1995 American Bowl.
Owner Pat Bowlen rings a bell on Thanksgiving 1996.
Owner Pat and Anabel Bowlen, coach Mike Shanahan and John Denver talk at an April 26, 1997 Special Olympics gathering.
New England: Pat Bowlen watches from the sidelines against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
San Diego: Owner Pat Bowlen walks the sidelines and talks to some players during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Pittsburgh: Owner Pat Bowlen carries off the AFC Championship trophy after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver: Pat Bowlen watches the pregame action from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
Denver: John Elway holds hands with his son Jack and owner Pat Bowlen during the post-game meeting in the locker room against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Denver Broncos in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Kansas City: Pat Bowlen gives head coach Mike Shanahan a congratulatory hug after the Broncos victory over the Chiefs in a second round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Denver: Pat Bowlen addresses the crowd while holding the Lombardi trophy during the welcome back rally at Mile High Stadium against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: Owner Pat Bowlen shows off the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he enters the locker room beginning the post-game celebration. Media Relations Director Jim Saccomano is on the right against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: Owner Pat Bowlen hugs Media Relations Director Jim Saccomano as he enters the locker room holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the post-game celebration against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: Terrell Davis, Pat Bowlen, and John Elway pose with the Lombardi Trophy in the locker room during the post-game celebration against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: General Manager John Beake and owner Pat Bowlen pose by the trophy in the locker room during the post-game celebration against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Atlanta: John Daly and Pat Bowlen watch the pregame action from the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at GA Dome in Atlanta, GA on September 28, 1997.
Owners Pat Bowlen (Broncos) and Jerry Jones (Cowboys) exchange greetings after the Broncos defeated the Cowboys 42-23 against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
John Elway talks with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen (left) along the sidelines against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA on September 20, 1998.
Floyd Little, Pat Bowlen, and Billy Thompson met in the locker room following the Broncos victory over the Seahawks against the Seattle Seahawks at Kingdome in Seattle, WA on October 11, 1998.
Bubby Brister and Pat Bowlen discuss the Broncos latest victory against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Pat Bowlen joins the team in prayer after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Neil Smith and Pat Bowlen congradulate one another after the Broncos victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Pat Bowlen signs an autograph for a Broncos fan in Kansas City against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Raiders owner Al Davis and Pat Bowlen share a laugh before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
Pat Bowlen and Al Davis watch their respective teams warm-up against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
The Denver Broncos win the AFC title January 1998. On the victory stand: Don Shula (left to right) team president Pat Bowlen; Bryant Gumbel and coach Mike Shanahan. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Pat Bowlen hoists another AFC Championship trophy up for the fans at Mile High to see against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway is greeted by Pat Bowlen after the Broncos victory over the Jets against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Pat Bowlen enters the locker room with his second consecutive Super Bowl trophy against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Joe Ellis (left) and Pat Bowlen celebrate their Super Bowl victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
FILE - In this June 16, 1998, file photo, President Clinton, left, and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen hold the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a ceremony at the White House where the president honored the Super Bowl XXXII champions. Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Terrell Davis is at right. Bowlen, who stepped down from his daily duties two summers ago as he battled Alzheimer's, is being inducted into the Broncos' ring of fame at halftime Sunday night, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File)
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen (right) meets with Falcons general manager Harold Richardson against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen meets with friends before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Elway gets a hug from Pat Bowlen against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen holds his second consecutive Super Bowl Trophy against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen, left, owner of the Denver Broncos holds the Lombardi Trophy as he talks with Fox Football analyst Terry Bradshaw at the conclusion of Super Bowl XXXIII Jan. 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. The Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons by 34Ð19. (Allen Kee via AP)
Pat Bowlen raises his fist in a victory celebration against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen and friends celebrate another Broncos victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen holds the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy over his head and his wife, Annabelle, right, waves, as they ride a fire truck through downtown Denver in a victory parade on Monday, Feb. 1, 1999. The Broncos returned to Denver Monday after winning Super Bowl XXXIII. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
An estimated 350,000 fans turned out in downtown Denver and then on to City Hall to catch a glimpse of their back-to-back World Champion Broncos. Pat Bowlen displays his gift from Mayor Webb.
The Chinese Premier Zhu Ronghi, accompanied by an extensive entourage, visits the Broncos headquarters, meeting with Pat Bowlen, alumni players, and staff during his brief stop in Denver.
The Chinese Premier Zhu Ronghi, accompanied by an extensive entourage, visits the Broncos headquarters, meeting with Pat Bowlen, alumni players, and staff during his brief stop in Denver.
Several Denver dignitaries along with various stadium supporters turned out at the site of the new Broncos stadium to celebrate the ground breaking ceremony.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches his team during the pre-game drills against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Mike Anderson is congratulated by Pat Bowlen in the locker room after setting a rookie single game rushing record against the Saints against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA on December 3, 2000.
Pat Bowlen greets ex-Bronco Steve Atwater along the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore, MD on December 31, 2000.
Various season ticket holders were invited to a special ceremony to celebrate the last beam being installed in the Broncos new stadium against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen addresses the fans at the opening ceremony for the new Invesco Field against the New York Giants at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 10, 2001.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen talks about running back Terrell Davis before introducing him at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Denver on Tuesday, August 20, 2002. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Pat Bowlen (right) chats with Steve Antonopolous (left) during the pre game drills against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
The Denver Broncos held a ceremony to comemorate the grand opening of the new Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver. Several players were on hand, including Rod Smith, Ian Gold, and Deltha O' Neal, along with Pat Bowlen, Miles, and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders to help with the celebration.
The Denver Broncos held a ceremony to comemorate the grand opening of the new Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver. Several players were on hand, including Rod Smith, Ian Gold, and Deltha O' Neal, along with Pat Bowlen, Miles, and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders to help with the celebration.
President - Chief Executive Officer Pat Bowlen on the field of the Denver Broncos game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 31, 2004 at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 41-28. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, left, welcomes Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as the Texans take the field for warmup prior to Sunday night's exhibition game in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006. Kubiak was a backup quarterback and then offensive coordinator for the Broncos for more than 20 years. He became head coach at the Texans in February. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
CEO and President Pat Bowlen speaks about Terrell Davis during ceremonies for Davis's induction into the Ring of Fame at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Terrell Davis gives thanks and a hug to Pat Bowlen at the conclusion of the ceremonies for Davis's induction into the Ring of Fame at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Denver Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen announces the Hall of Fame banner which will reside next to the name of Gary Zimmerman, a member of the 1998 Super Bowl team and Ring of Fame at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
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Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little, center, looks on with his wife and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, left, during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos President and CEO Pat Bolwen,left greets 2010 NFL first round pick Demaryius Thomas on his arrival at Dove Valley headquarters in Englewood,CO April 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Denver Broncos first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft Von Miller is welcomed by owner and CEO Pat Bowlen prior to Miller's press conference at the Denver Broncos Dove Valley facility in Englewood,CO April 29, 2011.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and former wide receiver Rod Smith walk onto the field for a Ring of Fame ceremony during an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen with former player and community development staff member Billy Thompson prior to action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego,CA November 10, 2013.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on October 27, 2013.
Denver Broncos Vice President John Elway holds up the Lamar Hunt Trophy and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen after the AFC Championship playoff game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 in Denver. The Broncos won the game, 26-16. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen surrounded by wife Annabel and former Broncos Floyd Little,Gary Zimmerman,Shannon Sharpe and John Elway after Bowlen received the Mizel Institute's 2013 Community Enrichment Award May 22, 2013.
Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen listens to remarks by Larry Mizel as Bowlen receives the Mizel Institute's 2013 Community Enrichment Award May 22, 2013 in front of more than 2,000 guests, including Broncos Hall of Famers.
I remember one time I was with a fellow NFL PR man. I mentioned something about Pat, and he said, "You call your owner Pat?"
When I replied in the affirmative, my friend said, "If I ever called [our owner] anything other than Mister, that would be the final moment of my employment."
Too bad, I thought for my friend. We all cannot have an owner like Pat Bowlen.
For all the years of his regular attendance at the Broncos headquarters, his door was open to everyone, all the time, unless he already had a meeting under way.
I could always go in to talk about a problem that needed some assistance, and not only was he always available, Mr. B. always seemed to have the right answer.
My late father was the only other man in my life who always knew the answers.
His acts of charity was numerous but not always public. There were several times when I brought a financial request to him, from a community funeral to a public service donation, and not only was the answer in the affirmative, but he also added that I should never tell the press about it.
"Just do the right thing and give, and then shut up about it. Nobody needs to hear you blowing your own horn," he would say.
It was in one of those evening visits to his office, in this case to ask him if he wanted anything in particular in his press guide biography, when told me that "I just want us to be number one in everything."
Naturally, I made that line the lead to his bio and it has become a team mantra ever since.
He has been all about giving for the Denver community.
The largest single sculpture in the state of Colorado is "Broncos," the figure of seven galloping horses at the south entrance to the stadium.
It is identified as being a gift from the Bowlen family, but we all know that means it came from Pat.
On either side of the "Broncos" sculpture is Ring of Fame Plaza, the largest bronze-and-steel player tribute in professional football. When presented to him, he made the decision to give the go-ahead on that project in about 15 seconds.
Those things, plus three world championships, all came from Pat's drive and leadership.
I just hope we have come close to being "number one in everything" for Pat Bowlen, because he certainly has been for the Broncos and the city.
