Pat Bowlen was born on February 18, 1944, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. His mother, Arvella, was American. His father, Paul, was Canadian and worked in the oil industry. Patrick was raised Catholic and spent his childhood in Alberta. He returned to Wisconsin to attend Campion High School. He later studied business and law at the University of Oklahoma. He played college football and later joined the Edmonton Huskies, winning three junior championships.
Bowlen worked as a lawyer and businessman in Edmonton. His work included oil, real estate, and construction. In 1984, he purchased the Denver Broncos. He remained CEO until 2014. The team won three Super Bowls under his leadership. He also co-owned the Colorado Crush and Denver Outlaws, who each won championships. He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2015 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Bowlen contributed to local causes, including the University of Denver and Boys & Girls Clubs. He stepped away from team leadership in 2014 due to Alzheimer’s disease. He died on June 13, 2019, from a pulmonary embolism.
Bowlen’s life started in Prairie du Chien. That city was the beginning of a long career that left a lasting impact in sports and business.
Pat Bowlen earned degrees from the University of Oklahoma, including a law degree, before joining the family oil business.
Bowlen grew up in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and attended Campion Jesuit High School.
