Broncos owner sends fans letter explaining Cutler trade

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said in a letter to season-ticket holders Saturday that the organization had no choice but to trade Jay Cutler over his insubordination.

Bowlen preached a message of team unity in the e-mail, reiterating that he and new coach Josh McDaniels had reached out many times to Cutler, who didn't respond to their overtures.

Bowlen, who remained largely silent during the six-week rift that ended with Thursday's blockbuster trade with the Bears, wrote that anybody who puts himself above the team gets a one-way ticket out of town.

"Understand this: it remains about team," Bowlen wrote. "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."

Cutler became disenchanted in Denver when he learned the team had talked about trading him for New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel six weeks ago.

He requested a trade last month after a face-to-face meeting with McDaniels failed to clear the air.

The Broncos initially balked, with McDaniels saying repeatedly that Cutler was his guy and they would work things out.

Cutler ignored calls and texts from McDaniels and Bowlen, however, and the owner reached his breaking point Tuesday and told McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders to try to trade Cutler.