My fourth is a given, and it is Pat Bowlen.

I won't even bother to recite the now well-known litany of accomplishments as owner of the team, but instead I will just note than nothing happens without the owner.

He provides the money, and also, theoretically, the direction, the fire, and the passion. Only in Pat's case, it has never been theoretical, but as real as real can get.

He has led in all those ways and more, including being the father of Sunday Night Football on a national level, and the driving force behind a beautiful stadium that has been the home for his Broncos for nearly 20 years.

Pat came here just one year after Elway, and they put a stamp on this team together.

A Ring of Famer, like the other three on this list, Mr. B will take his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year as well.

This is the celebration of the 100th year of the National Football League, the 60th year of the team (with Pat Bowlen in his 36th year of ownership), and the 50th year of the Broncos' home sellout streak.

And it is the year Mr. B goes into the Hall of Fame.

So, Pat Bowlen is my fourth founding father, having taken this franchise to levels unimaginable when he first arrived on the scene.