Class of 2019 Enshrinee PAT BOWLEN passed away on Thursday night at the age of 75.

Statement from Pro Football Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker:

“It is with sadness that we mourn the passing of Pat Bowlen. The entire Hall of Fame family extends our deepest sympathies to the entire Bowlen family during this difficult time.

Pat’s leadership helped shaped the NFL into what it is today. He also transformed the Denver Broncos into one of the finest franchises in the league and gave a winning identity to an entire region. He was a man who lived life with passion, conviction and demonstrated the highest level of integrity at all times.

We are fortunate to have ‘knocked on the door’ of the Bowlen Family while he was still with us and we will preserve his life of character and legacy forever in Canton.”

The Hall of Fame flags on the Hall’s campus are being flown at half-staff until Bowlen is laid to rest.

 

Ed Reed, from left, Kevin Mawae, Ty Law, Tony Gonzalez, Gil Brandt, Brittany Bowlen on behalf of Pat Bowlen, and Champ Bailey who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2019, speak at the 8th Annual NFL Honors at The Fox Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in Atlanta. (Photo by Joy Asico/Invision for NFL/AP Images)