Assembling an NFL franchise's successes or failures is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Few know this better than John Elway, who served as the general manager for the Denver Broncos. The ten-year span of his tenure, from 2011 to 2020, was marked by bold decisions, celebrated triumphs, and humbling setbacks.
John Elway, once a legendary quarterback for the Broncos, sought to replicate his on-field success in the front office. His early years as general manager saw impressive success, marked by an astonishing 64-26 record in his first five seasons and culminating in a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season. Following Peyton Manning's retirement in 2015, however, the Broncos' fortunes began to wane significantly. Over the subsequent five years, Elway's record dipped to 32-48, reflecting the franchise's struggles, particularly at the quarterback position.
The 2018 Draft Decision
One of the pivotal moments in Elway's tenure came during the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, the Broncos had a golden opportunity to address their long-standing quarterback woes. Many expected them to select a promising young quarterback, and Josh Allen, who had shown remarkable potential, was a prime candidate.
However, Elway chose to draft Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, instead. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, believing him to be the solution at quarterback. Keenum's performance, however, didn't live up to expectations, and Chubb, though talented, struggled with health issues during his stint with the Broncos, eventually leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Reflecting on this decision, Elway candidly shared, "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."
Quarterback Carousel
Since Manning's retirement, Denver has been on a relentless search for a reliable quarterback, cycling through an astonishing 13 different starters. The lack of stability at the quarterback position has unquestionably hindered the team's performance, resulting in a prolonged playoff drought since their 2015 Super Bowl triumph.
Elway's misfortunes in finding a franchise quarterback weren't limited to the 2018 draft. Back in 2016, he had invested in Paxton Lynch, who many hoped would be the future of the franchise. Yet, Lynch's tenure was brief and unsuccessful, starting only four games before his eventual release in 2018, another symbol of the challenging quarterback conundrum faced by the Broncos.
Evaluating Elway’s Legacy
Elway’s legacy as a general manager is thus a mixed bag. His first five years were undoubtedly successful, but the latter half of his tenure underscores the volatility of the NFL and the immense challenge of maintaining consistent success. The inability to secure a lasting solution at quarterback remains a significant blemish on his record.
John Elway, who rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, eventually stepped away from his role following the 2020 season. While Elway’s impact on the franchise, both on and off the field, is indelible, the narrative of missed opportunities, especially at quarterback, continues to color his time as general manager.
In the end, the story of John Elway’s tenure with the Denver Broncos is emblematic of the inherent uncertainty and the high stakes that define the NFL. It's a saga of early triumphs followed by relentless challenges, where each decision is dissected and the whims of fortune are felt profoundly.