For years, a gold jacket signed by the Broncos' Hall of Famers has hung outside Owner Pat Bowlen's office at UCHealth Training Center.
"To our Hall of Fame Owner, Mr. B," it reads.
On Thursday, Bowlen moved one step closer to making that sentiment a reality, as the Contributors Committee nominated him and Gil Brandt as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2019.
Bowlen now stands just a step away from induction into the Hall of Fame.
"This is an exciting day for our family and the Broncos fans who have been so supportive of Pat Bowlen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame," the Bowlen family said in a statement. "Pat would be the first to say it's not just about him but a credit to the many players, coaches and executives he worked with over the years. We're thankful to the Contributor Committee for recognizing the incredible impact Pat's had on the NFL. As we look forward to the final vote, our family also congratulates Gil Brandt on his well-deserved nomination."
In early February, 48 Hall of Fame voters will review his candidacy and cast their votes for induction. The Broncos' owner, who needs 80 percent of the vote to be named a Hall of Famer, is certainly a worthy candidate.
On the field, Bowlen's Broncos teams have enjoyed success seen by few NFL teams.
Consider the following:
- Bowlen is the only owner in NFL history to win 300 games during his first 30 seasons. His 348 total wins are tied for fifth in league history among owners.
- Since 1984, when Bowlen began his tenure as owner, the Broncos have more Super Bowl appearances (7) than losing seasons (6). As Broncos fans remember well, the team won world championships at the end of the 1997, 1998 and 2015 seasons.
- Under Bowlen's leadership, the Broncos have earned the second-best winning percentage (.602) of any NFL team and the third-highest win percentage among all American professional sports organizations.
His role in helping propel the NFL forward is equally as impressive.
When it came to positioning the NFL for success on TV, few had the wide-reaching impact of Bowlen. During his time with the NFL's Broadcasting Committee, Bowlen was responsible for negotiations for the NFL's new $18 billion TV contract.
No single-sport television contract had ever been as lucrative.
He chaired the Broadcasting Committee for years before serving as the co-chair of the NFL Management Council Executive Committee from 2001-2011. In all, Bowlen spent a combined 91 seasons on 15 different committees—a record of service to the league exceeded only by Hall of Famers Dan Rooney and Lamar Hunt.
But as he helped the NFL flourish, he never forgot about the community in Denver or the larger Rocky Mountain region.
A look back through Broncos history at some of the most memorable photos from Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen's tenure leading the team.
Terrell Davis, Pat Bowlen, and John Elway share the glory of their Super Bowl victory against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Owner Pat Bowlen and general manager John Beake talk in August 1984.
Coach Dan Reeves and owner Pat Bowlen talk during a November 1985 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen talks with center Billy Bryan on the sideline during a September 1985 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Dan Reeves watch the Broncos during a November 1986 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen holds up the Lamar Hunt (AFC Championship) Trophy after the January 11, 1987 overtime win (23-30) in Cleveland as coach Dan Reeves, the media's interviewer Ahmad Rashaad and Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt look on.
General manager John Beake talks with owner Pat Bowlen during an August 25, 1988 preseason win (21-20) over the Indianapolis Colts at Mile High Stadium.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches a November 1990 game from the sideline.
Owner Pat Bowlen and running back Tony Dorsett meet with President George Bush in December 1989.
Owner Pat Bowlen honors former hostage Thomas Sutherland at a December 1991 game.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches from the sideline during a January 1994 playoff loss (30-33) at the Los Angeles Raiders.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue talks with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in Japan during the American Bowl in 1995.
Adam Schefler talks with owner Pat Bowlen at the 1995 American Bowl in Japan.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches a November 1995 win (30-27) against the San Diego Chargers.
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan talk during 1995 training camp.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and 49ers president Carmen Policy pose before the 1995 American Bowl.
Owner Pat Bowlen rings a bell on Thanksgiving 1996.
Owner Pat and Anabel Bowlen, coach Mike Shanahan and John Denver talk at an April 26, 1997 Special Olympics gathering.
New England: Pat Bowlen watches from the sidelines against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
San Diego: Owner Pat Bowlen walks the sidelines and talks to some players during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Pittsburgh: Owner Pat Bowlen carries off the AFC Championship trophy after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver: Pat Bowlen watches the pregame action from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
Denver: John Elway holds hands with his son Jack and owner Pat Bowlen during the post-game meeting in the locker room against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Denver Broncos in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Kansas City: Pat Bowlen gives head coach Mike Shanahan a congratulatory hug after the Broncos victory over the Chiefs in a second round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Denver: Pat Bowlen addresses the crowd while holding the Lombardi trophy during the welcome back rally at Mile High Stadium against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: Owner Pat Bowlen shows off the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he enters the locker room beginning the post-game celebration. Media Relations Director Jim Saccomano is on the right against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: Owner Pat Bowlen hugs Media Relations Director Jim Saccomano as he enters the locker room holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the post-game celebration against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: Terrell Davis, Pat Bowlen, and John Elway pose with the Lombardi Trophy in the locker room during the post-game celebration against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
San Diego: General Manager John Beake and owner Pat Bowlen pose by the trophy in the locker room during the post-game celebration against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Atlanta: John Daly and Pat Bowlen watch the pregame action from the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at GA Dome in Atlanta, GA on September 28, 1997.
Owners Pat Bowlen (Broncos) and Jerry Jones (Cowboys) exchange greetings after the Broncos defeated the Cowboys 42-23 against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
John Elway talks with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen (left) along the sidelines against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA on September 20, 1998.
Floyd Little, Pat Bowlen, and Billy Thompson met in the locker room following the Broncos victory over the Seahawks against the Seattle Seahawks at Kingdome in Seattle, WA on October 11, 1998.
Bubby Brister and Pat Bowlen discuss the Broncos latest victory against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Pat Bowlen joins the team in prayer after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Neil Smith and Pat Bowlen congradulate one another after the Broncos victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Pat Bowlen signs an autograph for a Broncos fan in Kansas City against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Raiders owner Al Davis and Pat Bowlen share a laugh before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
Pat Bowlen and Al Davis watch their respective teams warm-up against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
The Denver Broncos win the AFC title January 1998. On the victory stand: Don Shula (left to right) team president Pat Bowlen; Bryant Gumbel and coach Mike Shanahan. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Pat Bowlen hoists another AFC Championship trophy up for the fans at Mile High to see against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway is greeted by Pat Bowlen after the Broncos victory over the Jets against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Pat Bowlen enters the locker room with his second consecutive Super Bowl trophy against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Joe Ellis (left) and Pat Bowlen celebrate their Super Bowl victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
FILE - In this June 16, 1998, file photo, President Clinton, left, and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen hold the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a ceremony at the White House where the president honored the Super Bowl XXXII champions. Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Terrell Davis is at right. Bowlen, who stepped down from his daily duties two summers ago as he battled Alzheimer's, is being inducted into the Broncos' ring of fame at halftime Sunday night, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File)
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen (right) meets with Falcons general manager Harold Richardson against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen meets with friends before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Elway gets a hug from Pat Bowlen against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen holds his second consecutive Super Bowl Trophy against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen, left, owner of the Denver Broncos holds the Lombardi Trophy as he talks with Fox Football analyst Terry Bradshaw at the conclusion of Super Bowl XXXIII Jan. 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. The Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons by 34Ð19. (Allen Kee via AP)
Pat Bowlen raises his fist in a victory celebration against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Pat Bowlen and friends celebrate another Broncos victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen holds the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy over his head and his wife, Annabelle, right, waves, as they ride a fire truck through downtown Denver in a victory parade on Monday, Feb. 1, 1999. The Broncos returned to Denver Monday after winning Super Bowl XXXIII. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
An estimated 350,000 fans turned out in downtown Denver and then on to City Hall to catch a glimpse of their back-to-back World Champion Broncos. Pat Bowlen displays his gift from Mayor Webb.
The Chinese Premier Zhu Ronghi, accompanied by an extensive entourage, visits the Broncos headquarters, meeting with Pat Bowlen, alumni players, and staff during his brief stop in Denver.
The Chinese Premier Zhu Ronghi, accompanied by an extensive entourage, visits the Broncos headquarters, meeting with Pat Bowlen, alumni players, and staff during his brief stop in Denver.
Several Denver dignitaries along with various stadium supporters turned out at the site of the new Broncos stadium to celebrate the ground breaking ceremony.
Owner Pat Bowlen watches his team during the pre-game drills against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Mike Anderson is congratulated by Pat Bowlen in the locker room after setting a rookie single game rushing record against the Saints against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA on December 3, 2000.
Pat Bowlen greets ex-Bronco Steve Atwater along the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore, MD on December 31, 2000.
Various season ticket holders were invited to a special ceremony to celebrate the last beam being installed in the Broncos new stadium against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen addresses the fans at the opening ceremony for the new Invesco Field against the New York Giants at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 10, 2001.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen talks about running back Terrell Davis before introducing him at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Denver on Tuesday, August 20, 2002. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Pat Bowlen (right) chats with Steve Antonopolous (left) during the pre game drills against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
The Denver Broncos held a ceremony to comemorate the grand opening of the new Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver. Several players were on hand, including Rod Smith, Ian Gold, and Deltha O' Neal, along with Pat Bowlen, Miles, and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders to help with the celebration.
The Denver Broncos held a ceremony to comemorate the grand opening of the new Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver. Several players were on hand, including Rod Smith, Ian Gold, and Deltha O' Neal, along with Pat Bowlen, Miles, and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders to help with the celebration.
President - Chief Executive Officer Pat Bowlen on the field of the Denver Broncos game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 31, 2004 at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 41-28. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, left, welcomes Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as the Texans take the field for warmup prior to Sunday night's exhibition game in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006. Kubiak was a backup quarterback and then offensive coordinator for the Broncos for more than 20 years. He became head coach at the Texans in February. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
CEO and President Pat Bowlen speaks about Terrell Davis during ceremonies for Davis's induction into the Ring of Fame at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Terrell Davis gives thanks and a hug to Pat Bowlen at the conclusion of the ceremonies for Davis's induction into the Ring of Fame at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Denver Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen announces the Hall of Fame banner which will reside next to the name of Gary Zimmerman, a member of the 1998 Super Bowl team and Ring of Fame at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
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Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little, center, looks on with his wife and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, left, during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos President and CEO Pat Bolwen,left greets 2010 NFL first round pick Demaryius Thomas on his arrival at Dove Valley headquarters in Englewood,CO April 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Denver Broncos first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft Von Miller is welcomed by owner and CEO Pat Bowlen prior to Miller's press conference at the Denver Broncos Dove Valley facility in Englewood,CO April 29, 2011.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and former wide receiver Rod Smith walk onto the field for a Ring of Fame ceremony during an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen with former player and community development staff member Billy Thompson prior to action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego,CA November 10, 2013.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on October 27, 2013.
Denver Broncos Vice President John Elway holds up the Lamar Hunt Trophy and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen after the AFC Championship playoff game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 in Denver. The Broncos won the game, 26-16. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen surrounded by wife Annabel and former Broncos Floyd Little,Gary Zimmerman,Shannon Sharpe and John Elway after Bowlen received the Mizel Institute's 2013 Community Enrichment Award May 22, 2013.
Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen listens to remarks by Larry Mizel as Bowlen receives the Mizel Institute's 2013 Community Enrichment Award May 22, 2013 in front of more than 2,000 guests, including Broncos Hall of Famers.
Through his role as the chairman of the board for Denver Broncos Charities, Bowlen has donated more than $30 million to causes in the Denver area since the fund was created in 1993.
That includes providing funding for 14 years for the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club. The Broncos remain the only NFL team to fully fund their own Boys & Girls Club branch.
The Boys & Girls Club helped honor Bowlen in 2017 for these contributions by naming a new youth development park "Pat Bowlen Field."
Bowlen was also recognized for his contributions to Denver and Colorado in 2013 when he was presented the Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award.
The ties between Bowlen, the Broncos and the community, though, have long been strong.
Bowlen's team also holds the best home record in the NFL over the last 34 years, and it's not difficult to identify part of the cause.
The Broncos have sold out every one of the 292 home regular-season and playoff games during his tenure as owner, and the team has led the NFL in attendance during that same span. Since 1984, more than 20 million fans have attended Broncos games.
Those unable to attend Broncos games in person have long had the opportunity to watch their team on TV. Denver's 344 national television appearances under Bowlen are the most in the NFL.
Now, it's time to add another line to his already impressive resume, as Bowlen tacks on Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist.
And while the next step — from finalist to enshrinee — is not a guarantee, the Contributors Committee's decision represents the most significant step yet for Bowlen's Hall of Fame candidacy.
Perhaps more importantly, when the Hall of Fame voters convene, precedent should be on Bowlen's side. Since the Contributors Committee began to nominate individuals in 2014, six of the seven nominees were later inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Should Bowlen join those six former nominees, he'll enter rarified air.
He would become the 15th owner or team founder to enter the Hall of Fame, and while many speak to Bowlen's humility and desire to avoid the spotlight, his election would certainly mean a great deal to his family, to each member of the organization and to the state of Colorado.
"We're absolutely thrilled for Pat and the entire Bowlen family," President/CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. "There's no question that Pat elevated the NFL, the Broncos and our region over the last three decades. He's always had such modesty and humility, but he's incredibly deserving of this selection and we appreciate the contributor committee nominating him. It's very special to see Pat take such a significant step toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
For years, Broncos Country has hoped this day would come — and it did Thursday, providing an opportunity to celebrate and honor Bowlen's contributions to both the game and the community.
The man who helped make the Broncos — and the NFL — what they are today has taken another step toward the Hall of Fame.
He's taken another step toward a gold jacket of his own.
