Hall of Fame nomination ‘long overdue’ for ‘quiet,’ ‘confident’ Bowlen

Aug 24, 2018, 8:09 AM Updated: 10:39 am

Pat Bowlen watches John Elway speak during the Denver Broncos press conference announcing the signing of Manning on March 20, 2012, at Dove Valley. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

(Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

For Pat Bowlen, winning wasn’t so much a goal as it was a necessity — an exercise in which the Denver Broncos owner would do whatever he could, give whatever it took to achieve.

“I know we hear all the time about owners wanting to win. Pat Bowlen wanted to win. Pat Bowlen did everything he could to win,” ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter told “Stokley and Zach” on Thursday.

And since Bowlen took ownership of the Broncos in 1984, the organization’s been among the winningest teams not only in the NFL but among major American professional sports.

In that time, Denver owns the second best team record in the NFL, has been to more Super Bowls (7) than had losing seasons (6), and have three world championships.

Away from the field, Bowlen sat on 15 NFL committees, serving a combined 91 seasons, including the NFL Broadcast Committee, where as chairman he helped negotiate record-breaking TV contracts.

“He was instrumental in the explosion of TV fees in the NFL,” Schefter said. “So, all the money that goes to all of these NFL owners, they owe a debt of gratitude to Pat Bowlen for that. And the least they could do is put him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

On Thursday Bowlen took one step closer to the hallowed Canton halls, as the contributor subcommittee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame nominated him for election in February.

Perhaps most remarkable, however, is Bowlen’s tendency to shy away from the spotlight and praise.

David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, used the words quiet, stead, and confident to describe Bowlen.

“He was a guy who was confident, he was strong, but he was never about bringing attention to himself,” Baker told “Stokley and Zach” on Thursday.

Alfred Williams, co-host of “The Drive,” said Bowlen was “quiet” but was a “constant presence” during his time in Denver.

And Bowlen’s nomination and possible induction into the Hall of Fame was described by Schefter, Baker and many others on Thursday as “overdue” likely in part due to his unassuming personality.

“I think there was a consensus that if Pat was a guy who had a greater flare and was flamboyant that he probably would have been in sooner,” Baker said.

But Bowlen now “sits on the doorstep” of the Hall of Fame, with just a final vote to solidify his gold jacket and bronze bust.

“This honor is long overdue. I have to wait to open that envelope … to make sure he’s in on Selection Saturday, but I’d be very disappointed if he’s not,” Baker said.

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