Hall of Fame voter Mike Sando ‘optimistic’ this is the year for Pat Bowlen

Since the introduction of the “contributor” to the selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, many both inside and outside of Broncos Country have wondered if this year would be the one Pat Bowlen earns his gold jacket.

But this season, there’s cause for optimism that the longtime Denver Broncos owner may make it past the subcommittee stage of the voting process.

Speaking with 104.3 The Fan’s Sandy Clough on Friday, ESPN senior writer, and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, Mike Sando said he’s “optimistic that this could be the year.”

While not on the contributors subcommittee, Sando said informal conversations with those involved indicate a “positive” feel that this could be the year.

“I know that he’s obviously dealing with a very devastating illness, but still it would be great that if he’s going to get in let’s do it while he’s still around,” Sando said, adding he feels like “there’s a good chance” it will happen.

#PutPatIn – Sign the petition NOW to get Pat Bowlen into the Hall of Fame

The previous four voting cycles, however, have led to frustration for those who believe Bowlen’s credentials should have already earned him a spot in Canton, Ohio.

But Sando said while most focus on who doesn’t make the Hall of Fame in a given year because “those spots are so precious,” his favorite part of the process is “seeing how gratifying it is to the people, and even more so to the people that are around those people — their friends, their families — when they do get it.”

“One of the reasons that makes that impact is because it’s so hard to get in,” Sando said. “Look, Pat Bowlen is deserving. He’s had a hard time being the guy that year.

“It’s not a reflection on him. It’s a reflection of just how hard the process is to even get on the list.”

Find a list of Pat Bowlen’s Hall of Fame credentials and the petition to get him elected at PutPatIn.com.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.