Broncos owner Pat Bowlen says he is stepping down as owner of the team because he is battling Alzheimer's Disease. Bowlen explained he has been dealing with short term memory loss since 2009 that has become full-blown Alzheimer's according to his family.Bowlen has been a huge presence in the NFL since purchasing the struggling franchise for $78 million in 1984. The team is now worth upwards of $1.16 billion, according media reports, including Forbes Magazine, and has been to 6 Super Bowls, which include back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998 with quarterback, John Elway, who appeared in 5 of the 6 Broncos Super Bowl games.

Reports also indicate Bowlen will not sell the team, and wants one of his children to run the franchise in the future.  Broncos President, Joe Ellis, will assume control of the team for now.  NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, said, "This is a sad day for the NFL."  The Broncos last appeared in the Super Bowl on February 2nd of this year and lost to the Seattle Seahawks 43-8.

 

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