The Bowlen family, once at the heart of the Denver Broncos' success, feels shunned from the team's celebrations. ESPN's Jeff Legwold, a seasoned NFL reporter, reveals a surprising exclusion in the festivities honoring the Super Bowl 50 champions and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. But why were the Bowlen children left out?
The family claims none of Pat Bowlen's children were invited to the weekend's events, including a dinner and ceremonies at Empower Field. This snub is particularly poignant as Bowlen's tenure as owner saw seven out of the franchise's eight Super Bowl trips and all three of its victories, including the iconic Super Bowl 50.
Daughters Brittany and Annabel expressed their disappointment, stating they would have cherished being part of the reunion. They proudly celebrate their father's legacy, which includes creating the Ring of Fame in 1984 to honor the team's legends.
Pat Bowlen, who had seven children from two marriages, stepped down in 2014 after an Alzheimer's diagnosis and passed away in 2019. His family, including his wife Annabel, who also battles Alzheimer's, expected to be included in the celebrations. But the Broncos' spokesman remained silent on the matter.
Controversy arises as sources reveal discussions within the team about inviting the Bowlens. The new owners, the Walton-Penner group, who paid a record $4.65 billion for the team, emphasize the importance of honoring alumni. Yet, the Bowlen family's absence raises questions about the team's direction and the legacy of its former owner.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of a succession plan after Pat Bowlen's death, leading to a legal battle among his siblings. And here's where it gets intriguing: could this exclusion be a subtle message about the team's future?
As the Broncos celebrate their past, the absence of the Bowlen family sparks a debate about the team's identity and the delicate balance between honoring history and embracing change. What do you think? Is this a respectful tribute or a missed opportunity to unite the team's past and present?
