Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise's success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. For the Denver Broncos, much of this scrutiny has been directed at former general manager and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.
The Draft Decisions
John Elway, an iconic figure in Denver, rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was soon elevated to executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His initial tenure was marked by significant success, with a stellar record of 64-26 in his first five seasons. However, things took a downturn in his final five seasons, plummeting to a 32-48 record.
One of the most pivotal decisions in Elway's tenure came during the 2018 NFL draft. Holding the fifth overall pick, Elway had the opportunity to draft quarterback Josh Allen, a raw but promising prospect from Wyoming. Instead, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a highly-touted pass rusher from NC State. At that time, Elway had high hopes invested in veteran quarterback Case Keenum, who had recently joined the team.
Quarterback Carousel
This decision was also influenced by Elway’s recent misfire in the 2016 draft, when he selected Paxton Lynch, a quarterback who was expected to be the future of the franchise. Unfortunately, Lynch’s tenure with the Broncos was short-lived, starting only four games before being released in 2018.
Since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the team's Super Bowl 50 victory in the 2015 season, the Broncos have been in a constant state of flux at the quarterback position. An astonishing 13 different quarterbacks have started for the Broncos since Manning's departure, a glaring sign of instability that has significantly contributed to the team’s failure to make the playoffs in recent years.
What Might Have Been
Elway's gamble on Bradley Chubb initially appeared promising but was ultimately marred by Chubb's struggles with health issues. His injury-plagued stint in Denver ended with a trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. His burgeoning career led many to ponder what might have been had Elway chosen differently.
Elway has since reflected on his decision with a mixture of bemusement and regret. "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?'" Elway recounted. "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."
End of an Era
In the context of his entire tenure, Elway’s legacy is multifaceted. His early achievements engineered by a dynamic roster, including Peyton Manning, led the Broncos to multiple playoff appearances and ultimately, a Super Bowl victory. However, the latter part of his career was plagued by inconsistent drafts and failed quarterback experiments that stalled the franchise’s progress.
John Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a complex and polarized legacy. His tenure is a testament to the difficulty and high stakes involved in managing an NFL franchise, where each decision can significantly alter a team's future trajectory.
The Denver Broncos now face the task of rebuilding and seeking stability, lessons learned from an era of highs and lows that underscored the vital importance of the quarterback position in the quest for sustained success.