Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Such has been the story of John Elway, a legend on the field and a figure of sharp discussion off it. His tenure as the general manager for the Denver Broncos is marked by a series of decisions that continue to shape the team’s narrative.
The Draft Decision: Chubb Over Allen
One of the most talked-about moves in recent Broncos history was Elway’s decision in the 2018 NFL Draft. Holding the fifth overall pick, Elway passed on quarterback Josh Allen, opting instead for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. At the time, there were high hopes that Chubb would bolster the Broncos' defense. However, Chubb struggled with health issues throughout his time in Denver and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, developing into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. It's a development that has led to a fair amount of second-guessing in Denver, especially given the Broncos' ongoing instability at the quarterback position. Reflecting on that decision, Elway candidly shared, "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 tenure is also notable for the revolving door at quarterback. Since the retirement of Peyton Manning after the 2015 season, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. At the time of the 2018 draft, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum. However, the lack of a stable, long-term solution at the position has been a significant reason for the Broncos not making the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Adding to the tumult was the selection of Paxton Lynch in 2016. Lynch, who was expected to be the franchise quarterback, started only four games before his release in 2018. This miss contributed to the ongoing search for a dependable signal-caller, a challenge that has kept Denver from returning to its former glory.
Elway's Tenure: A Story of Two Halves
Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was swiftly named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early years in the front office mirrored his legendary playing days, with the team compiling a 64-26 record in his first five seasons as general manager. These successful years included two Super Bowl appearances and a championship win in the 2015 season.
However, the latter half of his tenure saw the team’s fortunes wane. From 2016 to 2020, the Broncos registered a 32-48 record. This decline was emblematic of the team's struggles to find stability, especially at the quarterback position. After a string of underwhelming seasons, Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season.
Legacy and Reflection
John Elway's time as the general manager of the Denver Broncos is a tale of striking highs and dispiriting lows. On one hand, his early tenure brought a Super Bowl victory and the kind of success that fans had grown accustomed to during his playing days. On the other, the inability to find a lasting solution at quarterback post-Manning has left a significant void.
As Denver looks to the future, the lessons from Elway's tenure—particularly the critical draft decisions—serve as a reminder of the fine margins that separate success from failure in the NFL. His reflection on passing up Josh Allen for Bradley Chubb is a poignant example of how even a seasoned football mind can grapple with the unpredictable nature of player development and franchise building.