Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. This rings especially true for John Elway, whose tenure as the general manager of the Denver Broncos has been a tale of highs and lows marked by crucial decisions and their long-term impacts.
The 2018 Draft Decision
One of the significant turning points came during the 2018 NFL draft. Holding the fifth overall pick, Elway faced a decision that would reverberate through the franchise for years. He ultimately chose Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. While Chubb has undeniable talent, his tenure in Denver was marred by health issues, leading to his eventual trade to the Miami Dolphins.
This decision is often contrasted with the flourishing career of Josh Allen, the quarterback Elway passed on in that same draft. Allen, now the centerpiece of the Buffalo Bills, has emerged as one of the league's elite quarterbacks. Reflecting on the decision, Elway candidly admitted, "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."
Quarterback Carousel
Elway’s track record with quarterbacks is a particular point of contention. At the time of the 2018 draft, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum. This move came after a series of attempts to find a stable starting quarterback post-Peyton Manning, which included drafting Paxton Lynch in 2016. Lynch started only four games before his release in 2018, adding to the list of quarterbacks who couldn’t fill the void left by Manning’s retirement after the Broncos' glorious 2015 season.
Since Manning’s departure, an eye-popping 13 quarterbacks have started for Denver, contributing to their instability at the position and their playoff drought. The lack of consistency behind center is a significant factor in their struggles, underscoring the missed opportunity that Josh Allen represents.
Elway's Tenure by the Numbers
Elway’s overall record as general manager provides a tale of two halves. In his first five seasons, he guided the Broncos to an impressive 64-26 record, culminating in a Super Bowl win in the 2015 season. However, his final five seasons were far less successful, with the team posting a 32-48 record. The sharp decline coincided with Denver’s revolving door at quarterback and other personnel challenges.
Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was promoted to executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early success and eventual struggles highlight the volatile nature of NFL management, where yesterday’s heroics can quickly become today’s criticisms.
A Legacy of Mixed Outcomes
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy that is as complex as the job itself. His early years brought the Broncos back to the pinnacle of the NFL, but his latter years were marked by the struggle to replicate that success. The decision to pass on Josh Allen stands as a poignant example of how one choice can shape a franchise’s fortunes.
Ultimately, Elway’s time in the front office reflects the perpetual challenge of finding and nurturing talent in a league where the margin for error is thin. While he will always be celebrated for his contributions on and off the field, the missed opportunities and what-ifs will remain a significant part of his legacy.