A meaningless 2002 preseason game provided a backdrop for how much Broncos owner Pat Bowlen meant to his players. Most know the numbers of his three-decade reign, most notably that the Broncos have posted more Super Bowl appearances (six) than losing seasons (five).

Behind the scenes, Bowlen exhibited a humble touch with players. As the Broncos embark on 10 events honoring their owner, culminating with Sunday night’s induction into the Ring of Fame, president Joe Ellis reflected on a favorite memory of Bowlen, who is not expected to attend as he battles Alzheimer’s disease.

The Broncos faced the Chicago Bears at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Tackle Matt Lepsis learned at halftime that his wife had gone into labor with possible complications. He paced the sideline worried. Bowlen reacted quickly, informing staff Lepsis would travel back to Denver with him.

WATCH: Pat Bowlen will not be present for Broncos Ring of Fame induction

“From the moment we left Champaign until we touched down on the Centennial air strip, he kept Matt at ease, talking about the NFL, taking his mind off things,” said Ellis, who visited with Bowlen on Thursday morning. “His wife and baby turned out fine. I will always remember that moment. He did so many special things for the players.”

Bowlen spared no expense in chasing wins. He measured the franchise on championships, which adds a layer of significance on Sunday. Roughly 35 players and seven coaches, including Mike Shanahan, from the 1997 team are expected to return for weekend events and Sunday’s ceremony. The group won the first of Denver’s back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Denver will wear its blue jersey and white pants Sunday, matching the colors donned against Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII.

When the Broncos won their first title, Bowlen immediately thought of his quarterback John Elway with his “This one’s for John!”

It symbolizes Bowlen’s competitiveness and desire for others to receive credit.

“What would he have said (Sunday)? Probably, ‘What am I doing up here?’ He wouldn’t have wanted the attention,” Ellis said. “He would have thanked his staff, thanked his coaches over the years, thanked the players and most importantly thanked the fans. He always said, ‘I feel I am a custodian of the team, and it’s really your team.’ He believed that. I think that’s a great thing for an owner to understand. He would have been humbled. It will be such a special night.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck