Analysis
4/5/23
2 min read
Reports: Denver Broncos Part Ways with Franchise Icon John Elway
Arguably the greatest player in Denver Broncos history no longer is employed by the team.
John Elway, who led the franchise to two Super Bowl titles as a player and another as its general manager, did not have his contract renewed, NFL Media reported Tuesday.
His contract as a consultant ended on March 15, when the new league year began. He confirmed to 9News in Denver the amicable parting.
“I’ve enjoyed the relationship with the Broncos for a long, long time,’’ Elway said. “I told (CEO Greg Penner) 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 (general manager) George (Paton) if I can.’’
From 2011 to 2021, Elway ran the Broncos' front office as general manager and executive vice president of football operations. The Broncos hired Paton in 2021, and Elway, 62, transitioned to a consultant role.
Elway was a key to the team signing quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning led the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers after the 2015 season, two years after losing to the Seattle Seahawks.
Since winning that Super Bowl, the Broncos have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. That trails only the New York Jets' 11 seasons of futility.
Elway played 16 seasons with the Broncos, leading them to five Super Bowls. The Broncos lost his first three appearances, including what remains the most lopsided loss in the game's history: a 55-10 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers after the 1989 season.
Eight years later, he helped the franchise capture its first title, when the Denver downed the Green Bay Packers, 31-24, in 1998. The following season he led the Broncos to a 34-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and announced his retirement as a player. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
