Mayor Michael Hancock and governor John Hickenlooper performed the classy act of officially declaring Feb. 9 Pat Bowlen Day on Tuesday.

Pat Bowlen has not only been one of the most successful owners in NFL history, but he has also been a staple in the Denver community since 1984. He created an environment within the Denver Broncos organization that was just as much about creating a family as it was about winning championships.

Even though he has not been able to be an intricate part of the organization in recent years due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease, his management style roots still run deep. Every employee, interns and part-time workers included, received an all-expensed trip to Santa Clara, CA to watch Super Bowl 50 paid for by the Broncos, just like Mr. Bowlen would have wanted.

There is power in sport. Every Broncos fan remembers where they were when Mr. Bowlen shouted his infamous phrase, “this one’s for John,” after Super Bowl XXXII.

These four words have held a special place in the heart of Denver for over a decade, but will likely be replaced by a new phrase… “This one’s for Pat.”

Over a million people gathered at Civic Center Park on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the Broncos 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. If that doesn’t represent family, I am not sure what does.

It is nice that the city that Mr. Bowlen has given so much to was able to give a little something back.

We will celebrate Feb. 9 as Broncos family.