Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is no easy feat. The complex journey of the Denver Broncos under the guidance of John Elway offers a fascinating case study into such a venture. Once hailed as a savior, Elway’s tenure as the general manager of the Broncos is marked by significant highs and lows, reflective of a rollercoaster era for the organization.
Elway's Early Impact
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel, and in 2012, he was named executive vice president of football operations. His initial years were nothing short of spectacular. Under his management, the Broncos boasted a stellar record of 64-26 during his first five seasons. This period was undoubtedly the golden era, punctuated by a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season, powered by the legendary Peyton Manning.
Quarterback Conundrums
The Broncos’ fortunes began to waver after Manning hung up his cleats. Denver’s struggles to find a stable quarterback have been well-documented, cycling through 13 different starters since Manning’s departure. Elway’s tenure saw the drafting of Paxton Lynch in 2016, who was anticipated to be the franchise’s next cornerstone. However, Lynch’s tenure was disappointing, starting only four games before being released in 2018.
The 2018 NFL draft was pivotal for Elway and the Broncos. Faced with the choice of selecting a potential game-changing quarterback, Elway instead opted for pass rusher Bradley Chubb from NC State with the fifth overall pick. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in veteran quarterback Case Keenum, who had shown promise but would ultimately fall short of expectations in Denver.
Reflecting on this critical 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."
The One That Got Away: Josh Allen
Indeed, the one who got away was Josh Allen, now flourishing with the Buffalo Bills. Allen’s dynamic performances have underscored what many view as a missed opportunity for the Broncos. While Chubb, when healthy, proved to be a formidable presence on the field, his time in Denver was marred by injuries, ultimately leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins.
Mixed Legacy
Elway’s legacy with the Broncos is a mixed bag. During his final five seasons, the team’s record starkly contrasted his early success, finishing 32-48. The Broncos’ prolonged postseason drought since their 2015 Super Bowl win points directly to the instability at the quarterback position, an area where Elway faced sustained criticism.
After the 2020 season, Elway stepped away from his role, ceding the general manager responsibilities but remaining with the team in an advisory capacity. His departure marked the end of an era that began with tremendous promise but eventually succumbed to the unforgiving realities of professional football management.
The saga of John Elway's quarterback evaluations and draft decisions serves as a cautionary tale for NFL executives. Hindsight reveals the delicate interplay of potential and performance, underscoring that even the most revered figures in football are not immune to the rigors and whims of the sport.