Beth Bowlen: ‘Disappointment’ in HOF snub, to use frustration in positive effort

A day in which the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its contributors finalists for election into the 2017 class could have been one of elation and celebration of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s contributions not only on the field but also off.

Instead, Tuesday was yet another day of frustration and decries of “snub,” as the subcommittee in charge of narrowing down the nominees instead offered up Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

“Of course the initial reaction is one of disappointment, there’s no doubt about that, and you can use the word snubbed,” Beth Bowlen, Pat’s second-oldest daughter, told Big Al and DMac Wednesday on “The Drive.”

But 24 hours later, with the sting of the initial letdown wearing off, Bowlen Wallace and her family have chosen to see the silver linings in situation and will put their frustrations toward a positive goal.

Bowlen Wallace encouraged those who are “frustrated, disappointed, or simply want to show support” for her father to join Team Super Bowlen in the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 17.

“I think that will really put a strong message out there, the support he deserves in this community for what he’s given to this community,” Bowlen Wallace said.

This year’s walk takes place at Denver’s City Park, west of the Museum of Nature and Science, and runs 2 miles starting at 9 a.m.

Fans can also go to the Team Super Bowlen page on the Alzheimer’s Association website to donate.

The team has participated in the walk since Pat Bowlen ceded control of the Broncos and announced he was battling the neurodegenerative disease in June 2014.

“I’m trying to turn my frustration into something positive,” Bowlen Wallace said.

As for Bowlen’s enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, Bowlen Wallace said she has no doubt her father will be in those hallowed halls someday but feels for those who may never make the Hall of Fame.

“I have no doubt he’ll make it, and I empathize and sympathize with some of the players and other contributors that may never make it into the Hall of Fame who certainly deserve to be there,” Bowlen Wallace said.

After practice Wednesday, Broncos head coach congratulated Tagliabue and Jones, but said Bowlen was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in his book.

“I know that he’s going to get there some day, but we’re so proud of him. I was hoping that it would be now, but it’s going to come some day and it’s well deserved,” Kubiak said. “I’m so proud of him and his family. We’ll just keep battling for him. He’s the best.”

Follow 104.3 The Fan digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.