The Complex Role of John Elway: A Look Back at His Tenure with the Denver Broncos
Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Few understand this better than John Elway, whose tenure with the Denver Broncos as general manager and executive vice president of football operations had its share of peaks and valleys.
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel, before being named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. Early success defined Elway’s tenure, as he compiled an impressive 64-26 record over his first five seasons. This period included a Super Bowl victory led by quarterback Peyton Manning following the 2015 season.
However, Manning's retirement marked the beginning of a challenging era for Elway and the Broncos. Since Manning’s departure, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a glaring instability at the most crucial position in football. This turmoil at quarterback is a significant reason the Broncos have not returned to the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in 2015.
One of the most scrutinized decisions during Elway’s tenure was the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway selected Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, instead of quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, a decision that ultimately did not yield the desired results.
Bradley Chubb showed promise but struggled with health issues during his time in Denver and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league’s standout quarterbacks. Reflecting on the decision, Elway admitted, "Last year I played [golf] with him and I'm wondering, 'How long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead?' And it took him two and a half holes. And I loved him. But it just didn't work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh."
Elway’s earlier draft decisions also didn’t pan out as hoped. Paxton Lynch, drafted in the first round in 2016, started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. These missteps in the draft were compounded by injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position, contributing to a 32-48 record in Elway’s final five seasons.
Following the 2020 season, Elway stepped away from his role. His departure marked the end of a significant chapter in Broncos history, characterized by both notable triumphs and frustrating disappointments.
The ongoing challenges faced by the Denver Broncos in the years following Manning’s retirement underscore the intricacies and pressures inherent in running an NFL franchise. While Elway’s legacy includes a memorable Super Bowl triumph, it is also a reminder of the high stakes and fine margins that define success and failure in professional sports.