Kubiak's Corner: Head coach wishing "Mr. B" could be around this week

Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen took over the team in 1984. Since then, the Broncos have been in two Super Bowls in every decade other than 2000-2010. With three appearances in the 90’s it makes for seven in just 32 years of ownership, those seven tie Bowlen for the most Super Bowl births of any owner in NFL history.

In the summer of 2014, amidst his struggle with Alzheimers, Bowlen relinquished his control of the team, putting ownership operations into the hands of team president Joe Ellis. Despite that, “Mr. B,” as he is affectionately called around these parts, is still one of the most respected owners in sports and missed on a daily basis at the facility with his name stamped on the outside.

On Thursday, head coach Gary Kubiak expressed that sentiment and reflected on Bowlen’s legacy.

“This organization, his family has been about winning since he walked in here,” he said. “Very special. It’s tough. I wish he was around here with us, but I know it means a lot to the family. I got a chance to visit with a lot of them after the game the other day, so just very proud to be a part of it but very proud of him, the job he’s done here with this franchise. It’s been tremendous.”

After the Broncos clinched this trip to the Super Bowl, Kubiak called it a proud moment to be a part of Bowlen’s legacy. The affection for the long-time owner is vast within the organization and matched by the great fans of the Orange & Blue.

As she stood on the stage with the triumphant Broncos to accept the hardware for their second AFC Championship in three years, Bowlen’s wife Annabel expressed the words that so many Denver faithful now have on their minds.

“Let’s get it done for Pat, and go Broncos!”

There would be no better way to honor his great legacy.