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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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