The image of Annabel Bowlen accepting the Broncos' third Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl 50 is as indelible as it is a piece of a cornerstone moment in Denver's history.
Since 2014, Mrs. Bowlen has helped guide the franchise as Owner Pat Bowlen has fought Alzheimer's with strength and endurance.
On that February night in Santa Clara, California — and on every day before and since — Mrs. Bowlen represented her husband with determination and grace.
Now, Mrs. Bowlen has expressed a desire to display the same qualities as she begins her own battle against Alzheimer's.
If Mrs. Bowlen's demeanor over the past three decades standing alongside her husband is any indication, then there should be no question in regard to how she will approach her latest challenge.
Consider the unimaginably difficult situation in which Mrs. Bowlen found herself when Mr. Bowlen stepped away from the team in 2014 to fight Alzheimer's.
She had to do more than just represent the Broncos and the city of Denver. Mrs. Bowlen also had to cope as her friend and husband struggled against an evil disease.
A look at Annabel Bowlen's years with the Broncos.
Annabel Bowlen finishes her speech with a flourish during Ring of Fame induction ceremonies for her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, on Nov. 1, 2015.
Demaryius Thomas greets Annabel Bowlen prior to the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team photo on Feb. 6, 2016.
Peyton Manning greets Annabel Bowlen prior to the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team photo on Feb. 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen holds the Ring of Fame ring for Red Miller's wife, Nan Miller, during the halftime Ring of Fame festivities on Nov. 19, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen during pregame ceremonies to celebrate the Broncos' three Super Bowl championships on Sept. 8, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen,center, celebrates postgame on the awards platform with the team after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Conference Championship Game on Jan. 24, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen and Joe Ellis pose for a photo at the White House on June 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen presents a personalized Broncos jersey to President Barack Obama during the team's visit to the White House on June 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen during the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame halftime ceremonies at Sports Authority Field on Sept. 14, 2014.
Annabel Bowlen waves to the camera as Lombardi Trophy confetti falls around her, John Elway, Paige Elway, Gary Kubiak and Rhonda Kubiak after the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 win.
Annabel Bowlen and head coach Gary Kubiak pose for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 parade and celebration.
Annabel Bowlen and Joe Ellis receive the Lombardi Trophy from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the awards stage after the Broncos defeated the Panthers on Feb. 7, 2016.
NFL commission Roger Goodell, right, hands Annabel Bowlen the Lombardi trophy as President and CEO Joe Ellis assists during the Lombardi Trophy presentation after Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
Annabel Bowlen and the Bowlen family at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sept. 16, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Peyton Manning, John Elway,Terrell Davis and Annabel Bowlen during pregame ceremonies celebrating the Broncos' three Super Bowl championships on Sept. 8, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen and the Bowlen family at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sept. 16, 2017.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94), Annabel Bowlen, outside linebacker Von Miller (58) at the Broncos' 2016 team photo picture day at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.
Annabel Bowlen during the Ring of Fame Banquet on Nov. 17, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen, representing Owner Pat Bowlen, talks with Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) before the team photo on Oct. 4, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen and the Bowlen family at the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's at City Park on Sept. 17, 2016.
Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen and wife Annabel prior to ceremonies where Bowlen received the Mizel Institute's 2013 Community Enrichment Award on May 22, 2013, in front of more than 2,000 guests, including Broncos Hall of Famers.
Annabel Bowlen hoists the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 celebration and parade.
Annabel Bowlen, holding the Lombardi Trophy, sits next to Von Miller and Peyton Manning's daughter, Mosley, on top of a fire truck during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship parade on Feb. 9, 2016.
Peyton Manning speaks with Annabel Bowlen after his retirement ceremony at UCHealth Training Center on March 7, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen stands with John Elway, Gary Kubiak, DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and guests from the Wounded Warrior Project, who joined the Broncos for their visit to the White House.
Annabel Bowlen speaks during the induction of Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen into the Ring of Fame on Oct. 30, 2015.
Annabel Bowlen shakes the hand of a veteran who was at the White House with the Broncos as a guest of the Wounded Warriors Project during the team's visit after winning Super Bowl 50.
Karl Mecklenburg embraces Annabel Bowlen during the induction of Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen into the Ring of Fame on Oct. 30, 2015.
Annabel Bowlen holds up the Lombardi Trophy while standing with her family, including her mother, Joan Spencer, during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 parade and celebration.
Annabel Bowlen and Von Miller pose for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy on the top of the lead firetruck before the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 parade.
Annabel Bowlen holds up the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl celebration on the steps of the Denver City Council building.
Von Miller gives Annabel Bowlen a hug at the Broncos' 2016 team photo picture day at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.
Annabel Bowlen at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sept. 16, 2017.
Broncos Hall of Famers Shannon Sharpe, John Elway, Gary Zimmerman and Floyd Little congratulate Annabel Bowlen after her speech during Ring of Fame induction ceremonies for her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, on Nov. 1, 2015.
Annabel Bowlen and Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway at the Broncos' 2016 team photo picture day at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.
Annabel Bowlen,center, celebrates postgame on the awards platform with the team after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Conference Championship Game on Jan. 24, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen talks with Head Coach Vance Joseph and his wife Holly, right, daughter Nataly, left, and Stone, foreground, at Joseph's introductory press conference . Jan. 12, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen, representing Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, hugs Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) before the team photo on Oct. 4, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen greets DeMarcus Ware prior to the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team photo on Feb. 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen receives a game ball from head coach Gary Kubiak as members of the Bowlen family look on postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the Packers on Nov. 1, 2015. Mrs. Bowlen had represented her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, during the day's Ring of Fame induction festivities and gave a speech on his behalf at halftime.
Annabel Bowlen holds the game ball she received from head coach Gary Kubiak as she hugs her daughter Brittany postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the Packers on Nov. 1, 2015. Mrs. Bowlen had represented her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, during the day's Ring of Fame induction festivities and gave a speech on his behalf at halftime.
Annabel Bowlen stands with Joe Ellis by the Lombardi and Super Bowl 50 trophies during the team's White House visit on June 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen watches with pride during the Ring of Fame induction ceremony for Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen at halftime of the Broncos' game against the Packers on Nov. 1, 2015.
During 2014 Ring of Fame ceremonies for inductees Dan Reeves, Gene Mingo and Rick Upchurch, the Ring of Famers put their hands in along with Annabel Bowlen for a photo at Sports Authority Field on Sept. 12, 2014.
Annabel Bowlen, wife of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, poses for a photograph near MetLife Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
But through it all, Mrs. Bowlen handled the situation with perhaps an underappreciated amount of dignity. From accepting trophies after landmark wins to presenting President Barack Obama a team jersey at the White House, she has always represented the organization with class.
So while her brave public announcement will not affect the team's operations or Mr. Bowlen's succession plan, it couldn't be more important to recognize her impact — one that extends far beyond football.
Over the last several years, Mrs. Bowlen and her five children — Patrick, Johnny, Brittany, Annabel and Christianna — made an enduring impact on Colorado's Alzheimer's community. Mrs. Bowlen has led Team Super Bowlen during September's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's since 2014.
Mrs. Bowlen, her family and the Broncos have helped raise more than $500,000 in financial and in-kind support for the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter, a team partner since 2014.
Mrs. Bowlen's latest contribution to the fight against disease comes from her willingness to share the details of her own struggle.
"I decided to make my diagnosis public right away in the hope that it continues to raise awareness for those battling Alzheimer's and their loved ones," Mrs. Bowlen said, in part, in a statement Wednesday. "With June also being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, the timing was right for me to share this personal update with everyone.
"I feel that it is important for people to know that those in my situation do not need to completely withdraw from their daily activities. Based on my own experience with Pat, there will still be many joyous and rewarding moments for me as well as my family and friends.
"I intend to proceed in life with the same strength, courage and endurance that Pat has shown in his battle with this disease. Like Pat, I know there will be good days and bad days ahead. I'm grateful to have the support of my family and especially my children—Patrick, Johnny, Brittany, Annabel and Christianna."
Mrs. Bowlen also emphasized in her statement that she and her family will remain "dedicated supporters of Alzheimer's awareness, treatment and research funding."
She said Wednesday she hoped to remain involved in various Alzheimer's events, and perhaps that illustrates her legacy better than any monetary figure ever could.
Even as she stares down a disease that attacks the mind, she is as concerned about the fate of others as she is about her own health.
It's easy to act altruistically when life is without challenges.
It's another matter entirely to do so in the situation in which Mrs. Bowlen finds herself.
To those who know Mrs. Bowlen best, though, that quality should not be surprising in the least.
She and her children have all — to varying degrees — served as caregivers for Mr. Bowlen, and the five children will continue to act in that role as they deal with the harsh and rare reality of having two parents battle Alzheimer's.
"Our support extends not only to Annabel and Pat, but also to their children," President and CEO Joe Ellis said. "While having both parents diagnosed with Alzheimer's is daunting, they've already demonstrated such strength and compassion in their roles as caregivers."
Her children's resolve, though, will not waver either.
"During the last few years, all of us have been inspired by the strength and courage our mother has shown as she's supported our father in his own battle with Alzheimer's disease," Mrs. Bowlen's five children said in a statement. "We're confident that she will bring the same grace, compassion and determination to her fight."
That seems like a near certainty.
And here's another: No matter what the disease brings to Mrs. Bowlen's future, it cannot impact the precious moments from the past.
From a football standpoint, those occasions have helped continue a tradition of winning and success.
Off the field, they've shaped a legacy that means much more.
