John Elway Moves on From the Broncos

Happy trails to the Duke of Denver.

After more than a decade running the Denver Broncos football operations, John Elway is stepping away. Elway advised new Broncos CEO and co-owner Greg Penner of his decision. 

“I’ve enjoyed the relationship with the Broncos for a long, long time,’’ Elway said via 9NEWS. “I told Greg I’d be happy to be a resource for him and help in any way that I can. I just wanted the flexibility. They’re in great hands. I still plan on being around to watch and be a resource for Greg or George (Paton) if I can.’’

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Elway has served in a consultant role for the past year. He relinquished his GM title at the end of the 2020 season, and hand-picked George Paton to succeed him. 

After leading the Broncos as a quarterback for 16 years, Elway returned to the team in 2011. Hired by the late Pat Bowlen to serve as the team's top football executive, Elway led the Broncos to five straight division titles, two Super Bowl berths, and a World Championship. 

The ensuing years after Super Bowl 50 found Elway floundering in the wake of Peyton Manning's retirement. Broncos fans need no deep-dive reminder of Elway's inability to find a quarterback to succeed Manning and all of his struggles in hiring the right head coach. 

However, much like his playing career, Elway brought joy to Broncos Country and restored the winning ways after an ugly and embarrassing stretch under Josh McDaniels. While the last seven years are still too fresh in the minds of fans to give Elway the ultimate pass, as time marches on, he'll be remembered more for his success in landing Manning in free agency and becoming one of the rare NFL birds to win a World Championship as both a player and a GM. 

Happy trails to the Duke of Denver. 

“I’ll still be around as a resource,’’ Elway said. “I’ve been with the Denver Broncos for so long that it was nice to have some sort of connection which is what I wanted. I didn’t want an obligation. I’m getting a little older, I want to be able to do some things I haven’t done. I’m ready to have a flexible schedule. If there’s something I can help them with I’d do that.”

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