History of Pat Bowlen in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 19, 2025

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

February 18, 1944: Patrick Dennis Bowlen's Birth

Patrick Dennis Bowlen was born on February 18, 1944.

Others born on this day/year

1962: Bowlen joins Edmonton Huskies

In 1962, Bowlen became a player for the Edmonton Huskies junior football team.

1963: Bowlen Initiated into Pi Kappa Alpha

In 1963, Bowlen was initiated into the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity, Beta Omicron chapter, at the University of Oklahoma.

1964: Bowlen part of third Championship team

In 1964, Bowlen was part of his third Canadian Junior Football League Championship team

1965: Bowlen earns business degree

In 1965, Bowlen earned a degree in business from the University of Oklahoma.

1968: Bowlen earns law degree

In 1968, Bowlen earned a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.

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.

1999: Kaiser Sues Bowlen

In 1999, Edgar Kaiser Jr. sued Pat Bowlen, claiming a breach of contract related to the right of first refusal regarding franchise ownership.

2003: Colorado Crush Entered AFL

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

2004: Jury Ruled in Favor of Kaiser

In 2004, a jury ruled in favor of Kaiser.

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: Bowlen wins Appeal

In 2008, Pat Bowlen won the appeal against Edgar Kaiser Jr., with the appellate court ruling that the Bowlen-Elway deal did not violate the original right of first refusal agreement.

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: Rumors of Bowlen's Memory Loss

By late 2009, rumors emerged that Pat Bowlen had stepped out of the spotlight due to short-term memory loss.

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

November 1, 2015: Bowlen Inducted into Broncos' Ring of Fame

On November 1, 2015, Pat Bowlen was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame.

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

June 13, 2019: Patrick Dennis Bowlen's Death

Patrick Dennis Bowlen died on June 13, 2019.

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