John Elway's Decisions: A Complex Legacy in Denver
John Elway's Decisions: A Complex Legacy in Denver
Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. John Elway's tenure as the general manager of the Denver Broncos provides a fascinating study in the complexities of NFL team-building and the consequences of pivotal decisions.
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His initial years were marked by remarkable success, with a record of 64-26 in his first five seasons. The apex of this successful run was the Broncos' Super Bowl win following the 2015 season, a triumph led by legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. However, Manning's retirement post-victory exposed an imminent challenge for Elway: finding a successor who could sustain the team's competitive edge.
The 2018 NFL draft became a critical juncture for Elway's legacy. Faced with the fifth overall pick, he chose Bradley Chubb, a highly touted pass rusher from NC State, over quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had put his hopes in Case Keenum, who had shown flashes of brilliance in his previous stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Elway's faith in Keenum's abilities was significant enough to bypass drafting a potential franchise quarterback in Allen.
Reflecting on this decision, Elway has expressed regret. "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 admitted. Indeed, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, emerging as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
In contrast, Elway's draft pick, Bradley Chubb, struggled with health issues during his time in Denver. Despite showing flashes of his potential, Chubb was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins, a far cry from the impact the Broncos had hoped he would bring. The instability at the quarterback position remained a glaring issue. Elway had previously drafted Paxton Lynch in 2016, a decision that did not pan out as Lynch started only four games before his release in 2018.
The carousel of quarterbacks in Denver did not stop there. Since Manning’s retirement, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, an indicator of the persistent instability at the most crucial position in football. This instability has been a significant factor in the Broncos not making the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, closing a chapter marked by high highs and frustrating lows. His final five seasons were notably less successful, with a 32-48 record, underscoring the difficulties in maintaining prolonged success in the NFL.
Elway's tenure with the Broncos is a stark reminder of the fine margins that separate success from failure in professional sports. While his early accomplishments solidified his reputation as a savvy executive capable of building a championship team, his later years highlighted the unpredictability and risks inherent in draft decisions and player development.
In the end, Elway will be remembered for both his triumphs and his missteps, an embodiment of the multifaceted nature of NFL team leadership. His legacy continues to spark discussions and analyses, offering valuable lessons for future football executives.
