Assembling the intricate pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is no small feat, and no one knows this better than John Elway, the former general manager of the Denver Broncos. Elway's tenure with the Broncos is marked by a series of high-stakes decisions, triumphs, and mistakes that have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
A Missed Opportunity in 2018
One of Elway's most scrutinized decisions during his time as general manager occurred during the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway selected Bradley Chubb, a highly touted pass rusher from NC State. At the time, Elway had high hopes for quarterback Case Keenum, who he believed could solidify the Broncos' quarterback position. This decision led him to pass on quarterback Josh Allen, who has since become a star with the Buffalo Bills.
Elway’s reflections on this choice reveal a mix of regret and admiration for Allen. "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." This candid admission paints a picture of a seasoned executive acknowledging a critical misstep that could have altered the course of the franchise.
The Bradley Chubb Experiment
Bradley Chubb's tenure with the Broncos was plagued by health issues. While his potential was undeniable, his inability to consistently stay on the field hampered his effectiveness and, ultimately, led to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. This move symbolizes yet another gamble that didn’t fully pay off during Elway’s time at the helm.
The Quarterback Carousel
The instability at the quarterback position has been an ongoing issue for the Broncos, accentuated since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season. Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a staggering number that underscores the franchise’s struggle to find a reliable leader under center. One notable and unsuccessful attempt was Paxton Lynch, whom Elway drafted in 2016. Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018, another swing-and-miss in the search for a franchise quarterback.
This instability has substantially contributed to the Broncos missing the playoffs each season since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 campaign. Despite a promising start to his tenure, Elway’s later years as general manager were marked by these challenges.
Elway's Legacy
John Elway joined the Broncos' front office in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early years were nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 64-26 record over his first five seasons, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory. However, the latter half of his tenure told a different story, with a 32-48 record that underscores the difficulties faced in maintaining consistent success.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and scrutinized. His initial success and bold decisions brought the Broncos back to NFL prominence, but the unresolved quarterback situation remains a significant blemish on his record.
Reflection
The tale of John Elway’s tenure as the Denver Broncos' general manager is a study in the high stakes of NFL decision-making. It demonstrates how the success or failure of a franchise can hinge on a single draft pick or the health of a key player. As Elway candidly admits, passing on Josh Allen in favor of Bradley Chubb was a mistake that continues to resonate. The ongoing challenges faced by the Broncos in finding a stable quarterback since Manning’s retirement further highlight the complexities and pressures of building a successful NFL team.
Elway's era with the Broncos will be remembered for its early heights and its later struggles, a testament to the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of professional football management.