BRONCOS owner Pat Bowlen writes a letter (1 Viewer)

[Garts]

Issued April 4, 2009:

Dear Broncos Fan,

I am writing this letter today because I feel compelled to give our community and our fans an explanation regarding the Jay Cutler situation.

One of my directives to Josh McDaniels upon his hiring was that he consider everything possible to return the Broncos to the level which you and I both expect, and this certainly includes making a fair evaluation of every opportunity presented to us which might improve the team. He and General Manager Brian Xanders have had my complete support throughout, and they have it now. It is important that you know that at all times we represented ourselves to Jay with honesty and integrity.

I assure you both Josh and I made repeated attempts to reach out to Jay, and I can not speak for him as to why he chose to limit his response. Ultimately, given his unwillingness to speak with either of us directly in the last 12 days- at the same time his agent clearly stating to us Jay's intentions- it became very apparent to me personally that he no longer wanted to play for the Denver Broncos. As such, we elected to trade him.

Understand this: it remains about team. Our franchise has gone to the Super Bowl six times, with three different coaches and with many different players. It has never been about one player, and it never will be. Coach McDaniels shares this vision, and everyone in the organization—players, coaches and staff—must understand and accept this unconditionally. If anyone does not, that person will not be a part of this franchise.

I am extremely proud of our franchise, its accomplishments, and the region and fans that we represent. We have an illustrious history, one which we are all anxious to add to, and if someone does not wish to be with us as we head in this direction, then we will move on, and move forward.

Over 96% of our season ticket holders have chosen to renew their tickets for the 2009 season. This is once again a compelling statement of support and trust by the greatest fans in the NFL, and I assure you my only goal is and always will be to compete at the highest championship level.

The Denver Broncos will move forward in 2009 as one team, united with the most loyal and passionate fan base in football, towards the only goal we will ever pursue.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,

Pat Bowlen

 

[Adebisi]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

 

[Buffaloes]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

I agree

 

[tribecalledjeff]

If Denver were a team that I "followed closely," I'd be thrilled that we ripped off the Bears. No need for a letter.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this.

Interesting that he says they were always honest with Cutler, when many reports indicate that this is not true (which is not meant to absolve Cutler of his blame in this situation, for those who think I am automatically coming to his defense, which I am not).

Also, it was reported, in the wake of Shanny's firing, that Bowlen told Cutler that the offense and its staff would remain as is, yet that is not what happened. Is that being honest and exhibiting integrity? In his defense, I'll bet Bowlen never thought that Xander and McDaniels would want or even to get rid of Cutler.

But Bowlen has to defend his new GM and coach. He would be undermining them right off the bat if he didn't, and Cutler acting like a spoiled brat the last few weeks has made it easier, but I guarantee that deep down, Bowlen is not happy about how either side handled this. He can't be.

 

[Football Menace]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

More like an attempt to throw some water on a raging fire! I'd be po'd if I were a Bronco's fan,

 

[KoolKat]

I just added an N to my Cutler jersey, now I can use it still!!

 

[Gr00vus]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this. Interesting that he says they were always honest with Cutler, when many reports indicate that this is not true (which is not meant to absolve Cutler of his blame in this situation, for those who think I am automatically coming to his defense, which I am not). Also, it was reported, in the wake of Shanny's firing, that Bowlen told Cutler that the offense and its staff would remain as is, yet that is not what happened. Is that being honest and exhibiting integrity? But Bowlen has to defend his new GM and coach. He would be undermining them right off the bat if he didn't, and Cutler acting like a spoiled brat the last few weeks has made it easier, but I guarantee that deep down, Bowlen is not happy about how either side handled this. He can't be.

In the end his letter and his "integrity" aren't going to mean much to the fans when the Bears are in the playoffs and the Broncos are struggling to be a .500 team for the next few years.

 

[Football Menace]

If Denver were a team that I "followed closely," I'd be thrilled that we ripped off the Bears. No need for a letter.

I don't see where the rip off comes in."A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush."

 

[Banger]

Fine letter but what is he supposed to say? He made his bed with McD and he has to stick with him. Let's revisit the situation in 2 years.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Fine letter but what is he supposed to say? He made his bed with McD and he has to stick with him. Let's revisit the situation in 2 years.

But I will say that, even though I think McDaniels is more to blame for this fiasco than anyone else, Bowlen had to do this. Had to. After Cutler basically called him a liar to the press (saying Bowlen never called him IS calling him a liar), Bowlen had to move him, and he did, and in quick fashion. If nothing else, you gotta give Bowlen props for not taking that kind of crap from a player on a team he owns.

 

[Adebisi]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

More like an attempt to throw some water on a raging fire! I'd be po'd if I were a Bronco's fan,

There is no doubt that damage control was likely the prime motivation behind this. But I still think it was a classy move to reach out to the customers like this.

 

[shredhead]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this.

Yes, and I'm one of them. I am pissed and no stinkin' letter from the guy I want to tar and feather is going to change me from being pissed off. FWIW, I blame Pat Bowlen for all of this, not McDoosh.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[Buffaloes]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this.

Yes, and I'm one of them. I am pissed and no stinkin' letter from the guy I want to tar and feather is going to change me from being pissed off. FWIW, I blame Pat Bowlen for all of this, not McDoosh.

Why would you absolve McDaniels of all the blame here? I think everyone involved has a share of the blame and that includes the entire FO, McD, Cutler and Cook.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this. Interesting that he says they were always honest with Cutler, when many reports indicate that this is not true (which is not meant to absolve Cutler of his blame in this situation, for those who think I am automatically coming to his defense, which I am not). Also, it was reported, in the wake of Shanny's firing, that Bowlen told Cutler that the offense and its staff would remain as is, yet that is not what happened. Is that being honest and exhibiting integrity? In his defense, I'll bet Bowlen never thought that Xander and McDaniels would want or even to get rid of Cutler. But Bowlen has to defend his new GM and coach. He would be undermining them right off the bat if he didn't, and Cutler acting like a spoiled brat the last few weeks has made it easier, but I guarantee that deep down, Bowlen is not happy about how either side handled this. He can't be.

If indeed he has any irritation with GM or coach, that will quickly fade if the latter are successful in getting the Broncos back to the playoffs. Fwiw, my own opinion is that if Bowlen wants to be angry with anyone, he should look in the mirror.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

cutler acted like a 5 year old, but mcdaniels who has done NOTHING of note in the NFL acted like a complete jackass as well. he better win, or he'll be out in 2 years. lane kiffin anyone?

 

[Adebisi]

cutler acted like a 5 year old, but mcdaniels who has done NOTHING of note in the NFL acted like a complete jackass as well. he better win, or he'll be out in 2 years. lane kiffin anyone?

McDaniels has done nothing of note in the NFL? He must be pretty sly to have landed a head coaching gig then. Credit him with that much.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

 

[shredhead]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this.

Yes, and I'm one of them. I am pissed and no stinkin' letter from the guy I want to tar and feather is going to change me from being pissed off. FWIW, I blame Pat Bowlen for all of this, not McDoosh.

Why would you absolve McDaniels of all the blame here? I think everyone involved has a share of the blame and that includes the entire FO, McD, Cutler and Cook.

OK, let me rephrase: I know McDoosh has to carry some of the blame, but Bowlen is the only one I want to tar and feather for not getting control over his franchise before it escalated out of control. If Bowlen had gained control over the situation sooner, we never would be in the spot we are now.He has made one mistake after another this off season and each mistake compounds on the previous mistake.

 

[Dave Stauff]

I'll bet that 96% renewal rate was pre-chaos and be willing to bet it does not repeat itself a year from now.

I also have to wonder why Bowlen felt compelled to let Shanahan go - he had stability, both on the team and with the fan base - a head coach who was pretty well proven and a defense in need of repair. Once again exhibits that change for the sake of change is usually not a healthy management strategy.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

cutler acted like a 5 year old, but mcdaniels who has done NOTHING of note in the NFL acted like a complete jackass as well. he better win, or he'll be out in 2 years. lane kiffin anyone?

McDaniels has done nothing of note in the NFL? He must be pretty sly to have landed a head coaching gig then. Credit him with that much.

he's replacing a legend. he worked for one of the most controling coaches in the NFL. how much did he actually do as OC, for 2 years? 2001

New England Patriots

(Personnel Assistant)

2002-2003

New England Patriots

(Defensive Coaching

Assistant)

2004-2008

New England Patriots

(Quarterbacks Coach)

2006-2008

New England Patriots

(Offensive Coordinator)

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I think Bowlen knows that a large part of his fan base is pissed off, so he almost had to do this.

Yes, and I'm one of them. I am pissed and no stinkin' letter from the guy I want to tar and feather is going to change me from being pissed off. FWIW, I blame Pat Bowlen for all of this, not McDoosh.

Why would you absolve McDaniels of all the blame here? I think everyone involved has a share of the blame and that includes the entire FO, McD, Cutler and Cook.

OK, let me rephrase: I know McDoosh has to carry some of the blame, but Bowlen is the only one I want to tar and feather for not getting control over his franchise before it escalated out of control. If Bowlen had gained control over the situation sooner, we never would be in the spot we are now.He has made one mistake after another this off season and each mistake compounds on the previous mistake.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

mcdaniels really reminds me of kiffin. WAY over his head.

 

[TitusIII]

If Denver were a team that I "followed closely," I'd be thrilled that we ripped off the Bears. No need for a letter.

I'm sorry, but it is way too early to determine a winner in this trade. At the moment, the Bears are the favorites by a good margin. If the Broncos draft picks turn into two pro-bowlers, then we can re-consider, but the odds of that happening are not great. This letter is a good gesture, by the way...

 

[Limp Ditka]

Fine letter but what is he supposed to say? He made his bed with McD and he has to stick with him. Let's revisit the situation in 2 years.

"No matter how many times you might say "we" you are not part of this organization. If you don't like it, there's a line, as long as this stadium is high, of people ready to replace you as a season ticket holder."

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I still say they should have fired McDaniels and kept Cutler.

 

[Lobary]

cutler acted like a 5 year old, but mcdaniels who has done NOTHING of note in the NFL acted like a complete jackass as well. he better win, or he'll be out in 2 years. lane kiffin anyone?

Exactly.

 

[Tecmo]

If Denver were a team that I "followed closely," I'd be thrilled that we ripped off the Bears. No need for a letter.

agreed, I feel pretty comfortable saying Cutler will never win a Superbowl. He's overated because of his stats

 

[Ministry of Pain]

"We've been to 6 Super Bowls with 3 different coaches and lots of different players"...whta he didn't say is that 5 of them were with John Elway...QB plays a major part and Cutler was a piece of the puzzle they had lacked for some time since Elway retired.

I will be repeating this stat a lot but it needs to be said...Jay Cutler was 13-1 as a starter when the defense allowed 21 points or less...think Chicago's defense doesn't know things just got a lot better for them? They stunk last year but with Lovie at the controls they will find themselves agian on defense and I can't see how they are not at least a division winner and can now make another deep run into the playoffs.

The Bears won in this trade...who the heck knows what Denver will be able to find at the 1.18 and a late 1st likely next year...I just did not get this and I think Denver has taken another big step backwards. I do wish the fans of Denver the best of luck though, we have some outstanding posters that root for them.

 

[T Bell]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

Really? Wise PR seems more like it.

 

[Courtjester]

Class move by the Broncos organization.

Really? Wise PR seems more like it.

I agree. He has to know the level of anger that the Denver fans feel right now. I mean, this team has no identity right now. As I said in the other thread, there is a whole bunch of pieces but who knows how they fit. This is going to be one ugly year.The preseason game with Chicago should be fun however....

 

[Class Dismissed]

I still hope an enterprising journalist asks him to release the phone records.

 

[golfguy]

i quite frankly hope the broncos suck completely for the next 20 years. i really do. i've followed them behind the steelers for a very long time. elway was my football hero growing up in the mid late 80's. heck i wore my orange crush t-shirt to school the day after they got slaughtered by the 49ers in the super bowl.

but this is it. i like cutler. i think jay is a great player, and competitor. i hope the bears win 2 super bowls with him at least. i know somewhere mike shannahan is laughing his head off at the stupidity of the kid mcdaniels.

i am sorry but there is no chance a 32 should be a head coach in the NFL. way too young. people want to throw cutler under the bus for being immature, WTH what about mcdooshbag. buffing up his chest, well i am so awesome look what i did with cassell last year. i can do anything. well, i guess we will see now, and i hope he flops like all the other coordinators from NE have done this far.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

They can write whatever letter thay want. Fans in Chicago are excited today, and fans in Denver either feel uncomfortable or are punting to the far future with the hope that those draft picks pan out.

As bad as the team played at the end of last year, I can't imagine that fans in Denver think their team is better poised for the 2009 season without Shanny and Cutler, and Marshall undergoing surgery and facing suspension. I could be wrong, but I bet the mood is brighter in Chicago than Denver right now.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

If Denver were a team that I "followed closely," I'd be thrilled that we ripped off the Bears. No need for a letter.

I don't see where the rip off comes in."A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush."

Cassell was traded for a 2nd round pick. Cutler was traded for two 1sts, a 3rd, and a starting caliber QB. That's a rip off no matter how you look at it. Some thoughts about Cutlerenver played the 3rd easiest schedule in the league last year, according to Sagarin.Cutler was middle of the pack in QB rating despite that easy schedule and some of the best WRs in the league. Now he'll have a horrible O-line and instead of Marshall/Royal/Scheffler he has Hester/Olsen/scrubs. With 3 games left, and an 8-5 record, needing only 1 win to make the playoffs, Cutler laid three eggs in a row (Car, Buff, SD).He hasn't had a winning record since high school.People keep bringing up 13-1 when Denver held teams to less than 21 points. Orton was 8-2 when D held teams under 25 points.He has shown himself throughout this episode to be immature, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Orton has always been described as a class act, a great teammate, and a good leader. I'm also hearing Cutler described as a Pro-Bowler. LOL. Sure, in a year when Carson played hurt and Brady didn't play, he was the 3rd of 3 QBs. This isn't fantasy football. Cutler > Orton, sure. But Orton, two 1sts, and a third >>>>>> Cutler without question.Denver fans need to calm down and realize the value they just got in this trade.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

If Denver were a team that I "followed closely," I'd be thrilled that we ripped off the Bears. No need for a letter.

I don't see where the rip off comes in."A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush."

Cassell was traded for a 2nd round pick. Cutler was traded for two 1sts, a 3rd, and a starting caliber QB. That's a rip off no matter how you look at it. Some thoughts about Cutlerenver played the 3rd easiest schedule in the league last year, according to Sagarin.Cutler was middle of the pack in QB rating despite that easy schedule and some of the best WRs in the league. Now he'll have a horrible O-line and instead of Marshall/Royal/Scheffler he has Hester/Olsen/scrubs. With 3 games left, and an 8-5 record, needing only 1 win to make the playoffs, Cutler laid three eggs in a row (Car, Buff, SD).He hasn't had a winning record since high school.People keep bringing up 13-1 when Denver held teams to less than 21 points. Orton was 8-2 when D held teams under 25 points.He has shown himself throughout this episode to be immature, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Orton has always been described as a class act, a great teammate, and a good leader. I'm also hearing Cutler described as a Pro-Bowler. LOL. Sure, in a year when Carson played hurt and Brady didn't play, he was the 3rd of 3 QBs. This isn't fantasy football. Cutler > Orton, sure. But Orton, two 1sts, and a third >>>>>> Cutler without question.Denver fans need to calm down and realize the value they just got in this trade.

Get the hell out of here with that whacked out thinking. It makes no sense, your comparison holds no water.

Good, logical argument here What makes no sense?

 

[tribecalledjeff]

Trying to compare anything to the Cassel situation... and then using is as a point of comparative emphasis... is idiocy.

Please help me understand why you think this is true. In a market where Cassell was worth a 2nd round pick, Denver got 2 1sts, a 3rd, and a starting QB for Cutler. Or, if you prefer, tell me why any of the other list of statements that I made explaining why I think Denver won this trade by a large margin are wrong.

 

[greenroom]

I still say they should have fired McDaniels and kept Cutler.

This whole mess started when Bowlen fired Shanny and then did not keep Bates. Cutler was upset at that point. The whole Cassell Phone Call is just the cover that Bus Cook was looking for. Cutler wanted out once Bowlen fired Shanny. No player gets this bent out of shape over being talked about in a trade.

 

[moderated]

When it's all said and done people are going to look at this trade as a BIG plus for the Broncos.

they got maximum value for a player who has never been a winner throughout his whole college/nfl career.

 

[bcr8f]

I still hope an enterprising journalist asks him to release the phone records.

No kidding. Cutler said he would be there for required activities later this month. Why not wait?If I had an employee that said that why test him? See if he shows up.

 

[blend]

I just added an N to my Cutler jersey, now I can use it still!!

I don't know how many times I've read this, I still don't get it.

 

[bcr8f]

When it's all said and done people are going to look at this trade as a BIG plus for the Broncos.they got maximum value for a player who has never been a winner throughout his whole college/nfl career.

Atlanta got Tony Smith for Favre.Multiply that by 2 and add a 3rd round pick.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

I just added an N to my Cutler jersey, now I can use it still!!

I don't know how many times I've read this, I still don't get it.

Whatever you are missing, I am missing it also.

 

[DrJ]

They can write whatever letter thay want. Fans in Chicago are excited today, and fans in Denver either feel uncomfortable or are punting to the far future with the hope that those draft picks pan out. As bad as the team played at the end of last year, I can't imagine that fans in Denver think their team is better poised for the 2009 season without Shanny and Cutler, and Marshall undergoing surgery and facing suspension. I could be wrong, but I bet the mood is brighter in Chicago than Denver right now.

Just about everyone sounds like a giddy school girl on sports radio here. One called actually said that he was going through Best Buy talking on his cell phone and found out about the news, another stranger was finding out at the same time on his cell, they looked at each other and "he wasn't embarrased to admit that they embraced". It's like a "where were you when you found out they got Cutler" type of a mood here, I've never seen anything like it in my time as a fan.

 

[DrJ]

I just added an N to my Cutler jersey, now I can use it still!!

I don't know how many times I've read this, I still don't get it.

Whatever you are missing, I am missing it also.

Female body part.

 

[Buffaloes]

I just added an N to my Cutler jersey, now I can use it still!!

I don't know how many times I've read this, I still don't get it.

Whatever you are missing, I am missing it also.

Me too... "Nutler" is all I can come up with ETA: I get it now...Nevermind.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

I just added an N to my Cutler jersey, now I can use it still!!

I don't know how many times I've read this, I still don't get it.

Whatever you are missing, I am missing it also.

Female body part.

Ah!

 

[ScottyFargo]

Get the hell out of here with that whacked out thinking. It makes no sense, your comparison holds no water.

Good, logical argument here What makes no sense?

Why? NE and Denver were both under extreme pressure to get rid of the quarterbacks in question. They aren't the same QBs by any stretch, but one was had for cheap and the other was had for 3 first day picks and a starter...big difference. Now we'll get to see how Cutler does with less at the WR position but more at D, and Denver will get to see how it likes rebuilding with a boatload of picks.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I still say they should have fired McDaniels and kept Cutler.

This whole mess started when Bowlen fired Shanny and then did not keep Bates. Cutler was upset at that point. The whole Cassell Phone Call is just the cover that Bus Cook was looking for. Cutler wanted out once Bowlen fired Shanny. No player gets this bent out of shape over being talked about in a trade.

PSST - a little known secret:Cutler never wanted to be traded.

What he wanted was a new contract. One that paid him more in line with his perceived value.

Sometimes you better be careful what you ask for . . .