Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis shares what Pat Bowlen would say

There is no shortage of appreciation for Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in Colorado, folks around here understand that, in pro sports, championships are only made possible by the people at the top. Without Mr. B, there would be no, ‘This one’s for John,” there would be no, ‘Back-to-Back,’ and there would be no, ‘This one’s for Pat.’

A third Super Bowl Championship in the Mile High City is as good as it gets but if there’s one thing missing it’s the words of the great Mr. Bowlen. On Tuesday morning, Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis shared what he believed Bowlen would have said had he been healthy enough to be there.

“Pat should be here. This is who should be talking to you right now. I kind of thought about some of the things that he might say were he here today. He would tell you that he loved this team. He loved everything that they were about. Their resolve, their grit, their determination and the way they finished. He would have been so impressed with that, so pleased and so proud of them. One of the things that I told a few of you, I think, after the game on Sunday when I saw you or ran into you was that he would have said, ‘If you were surprised by the outcome today, you shouldn’t have been.’ He would have recognized the great confidence, preparation and everything that Gary and his staff did to get this team ready to play. That victory that we achieved—that great Super Bowl victory—would not have surprised him and he would have told you that it shouldn’t have surprised you either. Lastly, I think he just would have been overwhelmed with and so pleased for the fans. He, as much as anyone, recognizes this incredible connection that the Denver Broncos have with this region, this state, this city and our great, great fans. Pat—and all of us here—never underestimate that. We never do. The support that they’ve shown for this franchise is unwavering year-in-and-year-out. Just as I said, it’s an incredible connection. It’s been that way since Pat bought the team. He would tell you that. It hasn’t changed. I think the avenues for how we can connect with all of you—fans and media—with the age of the internet and digital age, obviously everything else is sort of more emphasized. In terms of raw emotions from fans and raw passion, there’s really nothing like it. We are very, very lucky to have the support of this entire region, this community and the best fans in the NFL.”

Nothing can replace the words of the man himself but Broncos Country can take some solace in hearing from somebody very close to him and the fact that he does know the Broncos are World Champions.

Broncos exec told me today, Pat Bowlen still does have lucid moments and he IS aware the Broncos won the Super Bowl. Nice to hear. #broncos

— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) February 10, 2016