A Complex Path for John Elway and the Denver Broncos
The journey of an NFL franchise towards success or failure is intricate, often dictated by a series of crucial decisions by those at the helm. For the Denver Broncos, John Elway has been a central figure in shaping the franchise's direction. His tenure as the general manager and executive vice president of football operations is a tale of highs and lows, marked by some pivotal choices that continue to be subject to scrutiny.
Elway joined the Broncos' front office in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was promoted to executive vice president of football operations in 2012. Under his leadership, the Broncos saw significant success early on. In his first five seasons, Elway's record as general manager was an impressive 64-26. These years were highlighted by the arrival of Peyton Manning and culminated in a Super Bowl victory following the 2015 season.
However, post-Manning, the Broncos have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. Since Manning’s retirement, the team has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, leading to a significant downturn in performance. This instability has been a key factor in Denver's failure to make the playoffs since their last Super Bowl win.
One of the most critical moments in recent Broncos history was the 2018 NFL Draft. Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum at the time, leading him to select pass rusher Bradley Chubb from NC State with the fifth overall pick, passing on the opportunity to draft quarterback Josh Allen. Reflecting on this decision, Elway remarked, "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."
Bradley Chubb's time in Denver was marred by health issues, limiting his impact on the field. Eventually, Chubb was traded to the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league's top quarterbacks and leading his team to postseason success.
The 2018 decision was not Elway’s first controversial quarterback selection. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch, who only started four games before being released in 2018. The inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback cast a shadow over Elway’s later years as general manager. His record in the final five seasons deteriorated to 32-48, reflecting the team's struggles.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and debated. His early success brought the Broncos to the pinnacle of the NFL, while the latter part of his tenure highlighted the challenges and pressures of maintaining that success in a league where the margin for error is razor-thin.
The narrative of John Elway and the Denver Broncos underscores the complexities of NFL management. It’s a reminder that decisions made in the draft and in personnel management can reverberate for years, influencing the trajectory of a franchise. Elway's story with the Broncos is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, where triumph and tribulation often walk hand in hand.