Denver Broncos News: Owner Pat Bowlen Steps Down Due to Alzheimer's

Owner of the American football team Denver Broncos Pat Bowlen has stepped down from his post because of his battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The National Football League (NFL) announced on Wednesday that Bowlen was abandoning his post to focus on his recovery. Reuters indicated in a report that the NFL was saddened that Bowlen could not anymore be part of the club's daily operations.

"We continue to offer our full support, compassion and respect to 'Mr. B,' who has faced Alzheimer's disease with such dignity and strength," the team noted in a statement.

It was added in the Reuters report that team president Joe Ellis will oversee the management while ownership will be handled in a trust.

In a similar report, Fox Sports said that the absence of the 70-year-old Bowlen will affect the team in so many ways. Team general manager John Elway told Fox Sports that their place will "never be the same.""It's going to be very hard to not see him walk through the front doors every day," he added.

The same report notes that Elway and Ellis have promised to continue Bowlen's legacy and culture in the team which could very much help with its development and continued success.

Bowlen's Alzheimer's disease is expected to cause damage on his memory and cognitive abilities over time as it is known to be a degenerative brain disease common among older people. Bowlen's wife, Annabel, said in a statement that he has kept the illness private as he wanted no attention from anyone as considers running the team a priority.

"Pat has always wanted the focus to be solely on the Denver Broncos and the great fans who have supported this team with such passion. Alzheimer's has taken so much from Pat, but it will never take away his love for the Denver Broncos and his sincere appreciation for the fans," Annabel added in her statement.

Reuters said that Bowlen hopes that his children will one day be able to run the firm and that his succession plan will be implemented even with him leaving.

The report notes that Bowlen has been with the Broncos for its more than 300 victories which included six American Football League championships and two Super Bowl victories. He is considered to be one of the most well-known owners of the team which he led for 30 years.