The intricate process of assembling a successful NFL franchise often leaves both fans and critics deeply scrutinizing every move. John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback turned executive, knows this all too well from his tenure with the Denver Broncos. Having taken on the role of general manager, Elway made a series of high-profile decisions that have been a point of dissection both during and after his time in the front office.
The Decisions and Their Impacts
Among the most debated decisions of Elway's career was the choice he made during the 2018 NFL Draft. Faced with the fifth overall pick, Elway decided to select Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher out of NC State, instead of quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had invested his hopes in Case Keenum, whom he believed could help stabilize the quarterback position that had seen significant turnover since Peyton Manning's retirement following the Broncos' Super Bowl-winning 2015 season.
This choice stands in stark contrast to the path taken by Allen, who has subsequently flourished with the Buffalo Bills. Chubb, on the other hand, struggled with health issues throughout his stint in Denver and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. Reflecting on the decision in a later interview, 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."
The Cycle of Quarterbacks
The struggle to find a consistent quarterback has plagued the Broncos since Manning hung up his cleats. Since that 2015 triumph, Denver cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, an instability that severely undermined their playoff aspirations. One of the glaring misses was Paxton Lynch, a 2016 first-round draft pick who managed only four starts before being released in 2018.
Elway's early tenure, however, was marked by notable success. Joining the Broncos as the director of player personnel in 2011, he climbed to the title of executive vice president of football operations by 2012. The initial five-year period under his guidance saw the team amass a record of 64-26, a testament to his acumen in the front office. Yet, his final five seasons revealed a stark contrast, with the team posting a 32-48 record, indicative of the struggles and tough decisions he faced in the latter part of his tenure.
Reflecting on a Storied Tenure
Elway eventually stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a mixed legacy. While his early success and the Super Bowl 50 victory certainly shine brightly, the turbulence at the quarterback position and the playoff drought that ensued marred his final years. The decisions he made, especially those regarding draft picks like Josh Allen and Paxton Lynch, continue to be discussed among fans and analysts alike.
The ever-critical nature of professional sports means that every executive move is scrutinized, sometimes years down the line. Elway's openness about his "biggest mistake" provides a rare glimpse into the challenges and pressures faced by those tasked with building a competitive team. As the Broncos continue to search for stability, the lessons from Elway's tenure remain a poignant reminder of the complex and often unpredictable nature of assembling a winning NFL franchise.