Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pat Bowlen

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pat Bowlen made an impact.

Patrick Dennis Bowlen, best known as Pat Bowlen, was the majority owner of the Denver Broncos, an NFL team, from 1984 until he stepped down in 2014 due to Alzheimer's. During his tenure as CEO, the Broncos won three Super Bowls. Bowlen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. He also owned other professional sports franchises in Colorado.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1969: Bowlen Received Bar Admission

In 1969, Bowlen received his bar admission and became a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association.

March 1984: Bowlen buys Denver Broncos

In March 1984, Pat Bowlen bought a majority interest in the Denver Broncos for $70 million.

1984: Bowlen Acquired Broncos

After Pat Bowlen acquired the Broncos in 1984, the team briefly held the highest winning percentage in the NFL.

1984: Bowlen becomes Broncos CEO

In 1984, Pat Bowlen became the CEO of the Denver Broncos.

1998: Bowlen agreed to sell Elway a share in the team

In 1998, Bowlen agreed to sell retired football legend John Elway a share in the team.

2003: Colorado Crush Entered AFL

In 2003, the Colorado Crush entered the Arena Football League as an expansion franchise, co-owned by Pat Bowlen.

2005: Colorado Crush Won AFL Championship

In 2005, the Colorado Crush, co-owned by Pat Bowlen, won the Arena Football League Championship.

2006: Denver Outlaws Join Major League Lacrosse

In 2006, the Denver Outlaws joined Major League Lacrosse.

December 30, 2008: Mike Shanahan Fired

On December 30, 2008, Pat Bowlen fired Mike Shanahan, the head coach and vice president of football operations, after a 14-year tenure.

2008: Outlaws Advanced to Championship

In 2008, the Outlaws advanced to the championship game.

February 12, 2009: Brian Xanders Appointed General Manager

On February 12, 2009, Pat Bowlen appointed Brian Xanders as the sole general manager of the Broncos and fired Jim and Jeff Goodman.

2009: Outlaws Advanced to Championship

In 2009, the Outlaws advanced to the championship game.

2010: Josh McDaniels Fired

During the 2010 season, Josh McDaniels was fired as the head coach of the Broncos.

2010: Bowlen Reduces Broncos Role

Starting in 2010, Pat Bowlen no longer played a major role in the Broncos' decision-making, with John Elway and Joe Ellis assuming control.

2012: Outlaws Advanced to Championship

In 2012, the Outlaws advanced to the championship game.

July 2014: Bowlen steps down as Broncos CEO

In July 2014, Pat Bowlen stepped down as the Denver Broncos CEO due to Alzheimer's disease.

July 23, 2014: Bowlen Relinquishes Control of Broncos

On July 23, 2014, Pat Bowlen officially relinquished control of the Denver Broncos to Joe Ellis due to complications with Alzheimer's disease.

2014: Outlaws Won MLL Championship

In 2014, the Outlaws won the MLL Championship

2015: Broncos Held Highest Winning Percentage

After the 2015 season, the Denver Broncos held the highest winning percentage of any franchise in the National Football League.

2015: Outlaws Miss Playoffs

In 2015, the Outlaws miss the playoffs.

2016: Outlaws Won MLL Championship

In 2016, the Outlaws won the MLL Championship

2017: Outlaws Advanced to Championship

In 2017, the Outlaws advanced to the championship game.

2018: Outlaws Won MLL Championship

In 2018, the Outlaws won the MLL Championship