Assembling a successful NFL franchise is often a complex and thoroughly scrutinized endeavor. For John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback who transitioned to executive roles for the Denver Broncos, this task proved to be a rollercoaster ride.
A Decade in the Front Office
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and shortly after was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His tenure as the general manager was marked by a tale of two halves. In his first five years, Elway was met with success, assembling a team that boasted a record of 64-26 and culminating in a Super Bowl win in the 2015 season with Peyton Manning at the helm. However, the latter half of his executive career was far less forgiving, with the Broncos recording a disappointing 32-48 over his final five seasons.
Quarterback Carousel
Elway's struggles to find a reliable successor to Peyton Manning led to significant instability at the quarterback position. Since Manning's retirement, Denver has cycled through an astonishing 13 different starting quarterbacks. Among the most notable draft decisions was the selection of Paxton Lynch in 2016, a choice that ultimately did not pan out. Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018.
The constant turnover and instability at the quarterback position have been a significant hindrance to the Broncos, contributing to their failure to make the playoffs since the 2015 season. Even with high hopes vested in quarterbacks like Case Keenum at the time of the 2018 draft, the team struggled to find a long-term solution under center.
The 2018 Draft Decision
One of the more scrutinized decisions during Elway's tenure came in the 2018 NFL draft. Holding the fifth overall pick, Elway had the opportunity to select Josh Allen, a quarterback who has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills. However, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. “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," Elway reflected. "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 and Health Issues
Chubb, while a talented player, struggled with health issues during his time in Denver. Despite showing promise, injuries hampered his ability to consistently contribute on the field, leading to him eventually being traded to the Miami Dolphins. The decision to pass on Josh Allen for Chubb haunts Elway, especially as Allen has emerged as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Reflecting on Elway's Legacy
Elway stepped away from his executive role following the 2020 season, concluding a chapter that was both celebrated and criticized. His early successes, capped by a Super Bowl victory, solidified his status as a key figure in Broncos history. Yet, the latter years underscored the challenges of sustaining success in an ever-evolving NFL landscape.
In the end, Elway's tenure serves as a poignant reminder of the high stakes and uncertainties that come with building an NFL franchise. The highs of championship glory and the lows of missed draft opportunities illustrate the delicate balance of decision-making in the league. As Elway himself admits, some decisions continue to resonate long after they've been made.