Moment Of Defeat Prompts Beard Of Superstition From Broncos Superfan

LAMAR, Colo. (CBS4) - Broncos Country is a nation of fans who bleed orange & blue, and one has a hairy story of support to share.

Michael Bowen, of Lamar, is a superstitious Bronco fan. In an act of dedication, he went from a clean baby face, to a 5 o'clock shadow, to a tangled beard over a foot in length.

To understand, we must go back to a dark time in Broncos history.

In January 2014, Bowen let his scruffy beard surface, with plans to shave it once the Broncos won Super Bowl XLVIII. He tossed out the razor ... and the Broncos threw away the win.

It was in that crushing moment of defeat when Bowen said, "that's it I'm not shaving until they finish what they started."

And so the superfan's facial hair grew. The next season, the Broncos had wins, some losses, and by Christmas-time this past year, Bowen's beard rivaled that of Santa Claus.

Today his goatee and anticipation continue to grow as the Broncos take on the Patriots for the 2016 AFC Championship game on Sunday.

Don't miss it on Friday at 6:30 p.m. as CBS4 presents a look at Broncos fever and the team's Drive to the Championship, featuring live reports from Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

The winner goes to the Super Bowl, and only after the Broncos win it all will Bowen part with his beard.

We love to hear Bronco fans stories -- share with us why you are a superfan, on our Facebook page.