Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Few have had a career as multifaceted in this regard as John Elway, the Denver Broncos' iconic former quarterback turned executive. The decisions he made—or failed to make—have left an indelible impact on the franchise, especially in their quest for stability at the quarterback position following the retirement of Peyton Manning.
The Draft Decisions
Elway’s tenure as the Broncos' general manager is marked by some executive decisions that loom large in hindsight. One of the most discussed choices came during the 2018 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, over quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, who had shown promise but ultimately did not live up to expectations in Denver.
Reflecting on that monumental 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."
While Chubb demonstrated potential, his time with the Broncos was marred by injuries, leading to an eventual trade to the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, adding salt to the wound of what could have been for Denver.
A Turbulent Quarterback Carousel
The choice to pass on Allen was not the only controversial quarterback decision Elway had to face. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch, a move that also failed to stabilize the Broncos' quarterback situation. Lynch started only four games before his release in 2018, further complicating the franchise's relentless search for a reliable leader under center.
Since Manning’s retirement following a victorious 2015 season, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This revolving door at the most crucial position has been a significant factor in the team's inability to return to the playoffs. The Broncos' instability contrasted sharply with the early years of Elway's tenure as GM, which saw him achieve a commendable record of 64-26 in his first five seasons, followed by a stark decline to 32-48 in his final five.
Elway’s Executive Tenure
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel, rising to executive vice president of football operations by 2012. His early years in the executive suite were marked by success, largely thanks to the acquisition of Peyton Manning, which culminated in two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl 50.
However, the post-Manning years proved challenging. The once-stalwart Broncos defense began to age, and the lack of a dependable quarterback took its toll. Despite various efforts to draft and sign quarterbacks, none could fill the void left by Manning, leading to an era defined by instability and unmet expectations.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a mixed legacy. His tenure included commendable highs, such as a Super Bowl victory, but also glaring lows, particularly in the draft decisions that left the franchise struggling to find its new quarterback talisman.
The narrative of John Elway’s time as an executive is a compelling tale of triumphs and tribulations. While he has openly acknowledged his mistakes, including the pivotal decision to pass on Josh Allen, Elway's influence on the franchise is undeniable. As the Broncos continue their search for a franchise quarterback, the echoes of Elway’s choices will undoubtedly shape the team’s future for years to come.