Hall of Fame Changes Policy and Will Give Family of Late Pat Bowlen Ring and Gold Jacket
By Brian Cass
Legendary Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was one of the best the NFL has ever seen, and he got his much deserved recognition for his accomplishments by being elected to this year's Hall of Fame class in February.
Unfortunately, Bowlen passed away before the official ceremony, which will take place in August. In a gesture that speaks to how beloved Bowlen was around the league, the Hall of Fame committee has announced they'll be changing their policy and sending his jacket along with his ring to his estate.
Hall of Fame will give gold jacket, ring to Pat Bowlen's estate https://t.co/RJR8mJbe0A
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 2, 2019
This is the first time the Hall of Fame has given the family of an inductee their jacket and ring.
"Pat Bowlen is the first individual to pass away between the time he was elected and formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame," HOF spokesman Pete Feirle said. So there you have it.
Bowlen was one of the most transcendent owners during his time with the Broncos. He transformed the team into an NFL champion and helped usher in billion-dollar television deals that still stand to this day.
There's nothing more iconic than "This one's for John."@NFLThrowback's Top 5 moments under Pat Bowlen's tenure: pic.twitter.com/obEf8WgAZE
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 17, 2019
The NFL will never forget the legacy Bowlen has left behind, and it's great to see the Hall of Fame extend this gesture to one of the best to ever do it.