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DENVER — Fans are showing an outpouring of support after Broncos owner Pat Bowlen announces he is stepping down.

The relationship the Broncos and their fans have is special. They are always behind the team through thick and thin.

“It means that rain, shine, sleet, snow you’re over there stomping your feet cheering them on as we kick the crud out of everyone,” says Bronco fan Jake Rubinstein.

The orange and blue blood runs deeper than the game though. Fans say it feels more like a family. That is why they say it is tough to say goodbye to longtime franchise owner Pat Bowlen. He is stepping down because of his ongoing battle with Alzheimer ’s disease.

“I think he’s a wonderful man and he’s done an amazing job for our team. Someone will come in and they’ll do a great job, but it’s not going to be Pat,” says Bronco fan Ann King.

It is the end of an era, but not the end for the Broncos.

“I still trust that Elway and everyone else in management there will get everything done and  hopefully the new owner lets them keep on doing what they’ve been doing because they’ve been doing a darn good job,” Rubinstein says.

Now fans say the will dedicate the upcoming season to the man who has stood behind the team for the last three decades.

“I think we’re going to have to work hard this next season and give him a little way to honor him. Go back to the Super Bowl and do it right this time,” Rubinstein says.