Ring of Fame pillar

Pat Bowlen Inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

DENVER, CO (NOVEMBER 3, 2015)—Hanlon Sculpture Studio returned to the Mile High City on Friday, October 30, to unveil its 28th Ring of Fame pillar ahead of the induction of Owner Pat Bowlen into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame on Sunday.

Like the others honoring Broncos greats, the eight-foot Corten steel pillar is embellished with a bronze plaque, two logos and raised portrait relief of Bowlen. The newest addition by Brian Hanlon complements the nine-foot bronze statue of the owner who longtime broadcaster Al Michaels called “great and iconic” that Hanlon Sculpture Studio unveiled in Denver last year.

“Each addition has been magical, and this one is no different. This one serves as a nice testament to a deserving owner and a humble man,” said Hanlon. “I’m just sorry that Pat couldn’t be there to receive the honor. His presence was definitely missed by the many players, coaches, fans and of course, his wife, Annabel and seven children who were there to honor him.”

More than 40 players from that historic 1997 team and 20 Ring of Famers including Floyd Little, John Elway and Shannon Sharpe attended the ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High where future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is now shepherding an undefeated season with another decisive win on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Last year marked Bowlen’s 30th year as owner of the team who first joined the NFL in 1970 when it merged with the American Football League. It was during Bowlen’s reign that Coach Dan Reeves and Quarterback John Elway guided the Broncos to six post-season appearances, five AFC West divisional titles, three AFC championships and three Super Bowl appearances (Super Bowl XXI, XXII and XXIV). It was arguably one of the most successful periods for any team in the NFL.  Elway and Coach Mike Shanahan led the Broncos to victories in Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII.

Bowlen, who had to step down as CEO last year due to his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, is also tabbed as the longest-tenured owner of a professional sports team in Colorado history and the only owner in NFL history to achieve 300 overall victories during his first 30 seasons.

For more photos, please visit: 2015 Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

ABOUT HANLON SCULPTURE STUDIO

Brian P. Hanlon is a classically-trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio; a full-service art studio that designs, creates, and installs awe-inspiring and signature monuments featuring bronze, aluminum, stainless steel and granite sculptures, illustrative and informational graphics, and interactive kiosks.

Hanlon Sculpture Studio provides complete site design services from sculptures to hard and softscapes, and offers total project management from design to installation and unveiling.  In collaboration with administrative and athletic staff at colleges and universities, the studio develops the scope of artwork projects that are designed to enhance the spirit, pride and tradition of athletics and the campus community.