Ever since John Elway took over the franchise in 2011, he has shown the grit and determination to make the Denver Broncos the best team in the NFL. The steps have not been easy to build a powerhouse, but Elway has entered a class that parallels that of his career.
The formerly successful owner of the Colorado Crush arena football team, Elway learned to build well in the draft and free agency making the Broncos a prime landing spot for players with a desire for a Super Bowl ring. His first draft in 2012 and Manning signing in the Mile High City would create a franchise bound for numerous division titles and championships.
The Denver Broncos lost pieces from the 2015-16 Super Bowl roster that fans would like back; however, Elway has this team believing it is the team to beat in the division. It is this belief that will keep Denver in the hunt for years after their Super Bowl 50 victory. That prevailing thought is because the Broncos and Elway drafted the quarterback they wanted all along in Paxton Lynch.
Much like his 2012 draft, Elway’s greatness will be tested after his 2016 draft. Most draftees in 2012 were instrumental in winning Super Bowl 50. Elway hopes Paxton Lynch, Devontae Booker, Andy Janovich, Adam Gotsis, Justin Simmons and Will Parks could be a better version of the Brock Oswieler, Derek Wolfe, Ronnie Hillman, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan draft four years ago.
Another piece to Elway’s greatness is the hidden talent not yet found between now, Training Camp and through Preseason. With undrafted free agents and other trade possibilities, he may have a few more aces up his sleeve. That logic has continued to give the Broncos a deep roster at every position.
Elway, in his short time in the front office as vice president of football operations, has entered the discussion as a Hall of Fame executive matching his Hall of Fame playing career with the Broncos. If Elway wins one more or two more championships, he will be in a conversation not many have ever been: a Hall of Fame inductee as an executive and a player.
Fans’ reaction is to typically want it their way, but Elway deserves our continued trust in his leadership of the Broncos franchise. Elway has the Broncos on a path not many have a chance to travel: winning back-to-back Super Bowls as an executive, like he did as a player.
Fans should continue to put our faith in Elway and his plan for the Broncos. Dan Marino stepped down in a similar role in Miami before giving it a chance. Elway will only get better as his time as an executive grows. There may be bumps in the road for the Broncos under Elway, but he will never waver because of his unfailing desire to make the team the best it has been since he was at the helm as a player.