Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen established Broncos Country and the way we know it today. Here are five incredible moments during his time as owner.

Thank you, Pat Bowlen.

How can this be the end?

The legendary Denver Broncos owner and one of the most influential, impactful, and innovative owners in NFL history has passed away at the age of 75, and I can’t believe this day has come.

Bowlen’s legacy with the Denver Broncos will be everlasting. He implemented and instilled a DNA in Broncos Country that cannot be removed or replaced. Bowlen cared about winning, but he cared about people more.

That’s certainly felt and hopefully reciprocated among Broncos Country all over the world. People mattered to Pat and he provided all of us fans with one of the greatest joys in life — a football team committed to excellence, no matter what.

Mr. Bowlen’s expectations of excellence led to some of the greatest moments any of us will ever experience as sports fans. Some of these events happened before I was born. Some of them happened when I was a kid.

Others happened for me as an adult, when I needed them the most.

Football is more than an escape from reality for people — it’s a true source of joy and passion. Bowlen understood the perspective of his coaches, his players, and the fans of his team. He understood the business side of things but what made him so great was an understanding of the people he worked with. He understood that winning is fun, and he had a passion for it.

So what were some of the best moments? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember some of the good times.