In a letter to Broncos season ticket holders, owner Pat Bowlen told fans that last season was the most difficult year in his 27-year tenure with the team.

"You deserve more from this franchise than what we saw in 2010, and you have my word that I will restore the culture of winning, trust and integrity within the Broncos," Bowlen wrote in the letter, according to the Associated Press. "There is a Bronco Way that exists, and it entails success on the field, honoring tradition and maintaining the highest level of character."

The Broncos missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season last year, the most since the franchise's first appearance in 1977.

Off the field, the team had to deal with issues stemming from the team taping 49ers practices in London prior to their game against San Francisco, as well as multiple player arrests; including ILB D.J. Williams, who was the captain of the defense.

The team has since fired head coach Josh McDaniels, brought in John Elway as their new executive vice president of football operations and hired former Panthers sideline boss John Fox as their new head coach.