John Elway

John Elway is an American former professional football player and executive who spent his entire 16-season playing career as a quarterback for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL).

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

John Albert Elway Jr. was born on June 28, 1960, in Port Angeles, Washington, United States. The Quarterback stands 191 cm tall, and his playing weight was listed at 98 kg.

He attended Granada Hills High School in Los Angeles, California, before committing to play college football for the Stanford Cardinal from 1979 to 1982. During his time at Stanford, he set several career records for passing attempts and completions, earning Unanimous All-American honors and the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 1982.

He was a multi-sport athlete who also excelled in baseball, even spending time in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees organization. Stanford later retired his number 7 jersey.

Professional Career

Elway was the first overall selection in the legendary "quarterback class of 1983" NFL Draft. He was originally drafted by the Baltimore Colts but was quickly traded to the Denver Broncos after refusing to play for Baltimore.

In January 1987, Elway cemented his legendary status by orchestrating "The Drive," a 98-yard game-tying touchdown drive in the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns.

Though he suffered heartbreaking losses in his first three Super Bowl appearances, Elway famously ended his career on top. He led the Broncos to back-to-back championships in Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII.

He was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII, which was the final game of his playing career. He retired with the most victories by a starting quarterback and was statistically the second most prolific passer in NFL history at the time. He was also a prolific scrambler, becoming the only quarterback to score a rushing touchdown in four different Super Bowls.

Executive Career and Personal Life

Following his retirement from playing, Elway transitioned into a highly successful career as a sports executive. He served as the co-owner and CEO of the Colorado Crush in the Arena Football League, helping the team win an ArenaBowl championship in 2005.

In 2011, he returned to the Denver Broncos as the General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

Under his leadership in the front office, the Broncos won four division titles, two AFC Championships, and Super Bowl 50, making Elway a three-time Super Bowl champion with the franchise.

He and former head coach Gary Kubiak are the only individuals to be associated with all three of the Broncos' Super Bowl victories. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Career Highlights:

• 1998, 1999 – 2× Super Bowl champion as a player (XXXII, XXXIII)
• 2016 – Super Bowl champion as an executive (50)
• 1999 – Super Bowl MVP (XXXIII)
• 1987 – NFL Most Valuable Player
• 1992 – NFL Man of the Year
• 1987, 1993, 1996 – 3× Second-team All-Pro
• 9× Pro Bowl selection
• NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• 2004 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee