Nobody is more identified with the Denver Broncos than John Elway. As a quarterback, he won two Super Bowls for the franchise in his Hall of Fame career. Since 2011, he’s served as an executive for the franchise.
But now it appears as though his time with the team is coming to an end.
Elway and the Broncos recently decided to end their official relationship.
“As his outside consultant deal was about to expire last month Elway initiated a meeting with Broncos’ first-year owner and CEO Greg Penner,” Mike Kils of 9 News in Denver reported. “The result was Elway amicably departed from the Broncos in a formal capacity, even if his presence will always loom large upon the franchise.”
Elway added that he’s still willing to help the Broncos if needed.
“I’ve enjoyed the relationship with the Broncos for a long, long time,’’ Elway said, per Kils. “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.’’
Elway’s tenure in Denver has been a mixed bag. Denver won the AFC West every year from 2011-2015, winning the AFC Championship in 2013 and the Super Bowl in 2015, mostly led by Peyton Manning.
But since Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have not returned to the playoffs. And after going 9-7 in 2016, Denver hasn’t even enjoyed a winning season.
The reaction to the news of Elway’s departure was reflective of the mixed results.
Elway convinced Peyton to come to Denver, which led to an amazing 4 year run. Outside of that..not much else worked https://t.co/3CsURZyQpM
— trey wingo (@wingoz) April 4, 2023
He got his biggest call 100% right and won a Super Bowl because of it.
After that, uh https://t.co/XsMdmY6h5r
— Ty Schalter (@tyschalter) April 5, 2023
Finally @johnelway the GM was terrible without Peyton covering up for him https://t.co/t2gQ2Iv6Gi
— Fred Saunders (@TheFredzilla) April 4, 2023
[9 news]
