Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. The Denver Broncos, a storied franchise, have experienced a tumultuous few years, particularly in the wake of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning’s retirement following their Super Bowl win at the end of the 2015 season. A crucial chapter of this saga involves John Elway, the Broncos' legendary quarterback turned executive.
Elway's Choices and Controversies
John Elway, rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. In his initial five-season run as the general manager, Elway enjoyed considerable success with a sterling 64-26 record. However, his fortune waned in his final five seasons, with a 32-48 record. One of the most frequently dissected decisions of Elway's tenure was his approach to the quarterback position—a critical component for any NFL team's success.
Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum at the time of the 2018 NFL draft, bypassing the quarterback class that year. Instead, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. This decision came despite the availability of quarterbacks like Josh Allen, who has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills. Elway’s statement, "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," underscores the weight of that choice.
The Quarterback Carousel
The decision to pass on Allen was not the first time Elway faced scrutiny for his quarterback evaluations. In 2016, Elway drafted Paxton Lynch, a promising prospect who, unfortunately, started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. Denver has since cycled through a staggering 13 different starting quarterbacks—a statistic that speaks to a systemic instability at the position. This instability has been a significant reason for the Broncos not making the playoffs since their victory in Super Bowl 50.
Bradley Chubb and the Aftermath
Bradley Chubb, the pass rusher Elway opted for instead of Allen, showed promise early in his career but struggled with health issues. After being marred by injuries, he was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. "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," Elway confessed about Josh Allen, reflecting on his decision-making process.
Legacy and Departure
Despite the recent struggles, Elway’s tenure wasn’t without its successes. In his early years as an executive, he orchestrated a dominant roster that secured two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl win. However, the latter half of his tenure was defined by missed opportunities and a revolving door at the quarterback position. After a 32-48 tenure in his final five seasons, Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, marking the end of an era for the Broncos.
The Denver Broncos’ journey since Manning's departure highlights the challenges and intricacies involved in maintaining a successful NFL franchise. John Elway's experiences, from the heights of early success to the valleys of difficult decisions and second guesses, underscore the nuanced nature of sports management—a realm where every draft pick and every signed player can echo through an organization’s fortunes for years to come.
As the Broncos continue to search for stability and a return to playoff contention, the shadows of past decisions, the what-ifs, and the near misses remain a poignant reminder of the high stakes at the heart of professional football.