Milestone No. 17: John Elway Returns to Lead the Broncos Front Office
For 30 years, The Fan has been covering Denver sports, capturing some of the most memorable moments and milestones in the city’s sports history. As part of their “Mile High Milestones” series, they are counting down the top 30 moments that shaped Denver sports.
One of those major moments came when the Denver Broncos turned to one of their all-time greats to help save the franchise—John Elway.
The Broncos were in a terrible spot after the 2010 season, finishing with a 4-12 record, the franchise’s worst since 1971 and the most losses in team history. Beyond the poor record, the organization was in chaos. Head coach Josh McDaniels had severely damaged the culture, running off personnel and leaving the team in disarray.
Team owner Pat Bowlen knew drastic action was needed. The Broncos were spiraling, and he needed someone who could rebuild the franchise and restore its winning tradition. There was only one name that came to mind—John Elway.
Elway had been the face of the Broncos during his 16-year playing career, becoming the winningest quarterback in NFL history at the time with 148 victories. He led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and finished his career with back-to-back titles in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
After his playing days, Elway proved he could win off the field, too. He successfully ran the Colorado Crush arena football team, leading them to a championship in 2005. His leadership and football acumen made him the perfect candidate to steer the Broncos back on course.
On January 5, 2011, Elway was officially named Executive Vice President of Football Operations. His job was simple but daunting—fix the mess left behind and turn the Broncos back into contenders.
Elway wasted no time making an impact. His first draft pick was crucial, holding the No. 2 overall selection—the highest in Broncos history. He chose Von Miller, an edge rusher from Texas A&M. That pick turned into a franchise-changing decision as Miller went on to become the team’s all-time sack leader with 110.5 sacks and the MVP of Super Bowl 50.
Elway’s first year leading the front office also delivered immediate on-field results. Despite low expectations, the Broncos, led by the surprising play of Tim Tebow, finished 8-8, won the AFC West, and pulled off an unforgettable playoff win. In overtime against the Steelers, Tebow connected with Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard game-winning touchdown.
However, that was just the beginning. In the offseason, Elway pulled off one of the greatest free-agent signings in NFL history, convincing Peyton Manning to come to Denver. Despite heavy competition for Manning’s services, Elway closed the deal, setting up a historic run.
The Manning era was the most successful four-year stretch in franchise history. The Broncos posted a 50-14 regular season record, won the AFC West every year, reached two Super Bowls, and captured the Super Bowl 50 title. In 2013, Elway assembled one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, scoring a league-record 606 points with Manning setting records for 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns—records that still stand today.
Two years later, Elway built a defense that dominated the league. In 2015, Denver ranked No. 1 in total defense, passing defense, and sacks. Led by Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware up front and the “No Fly Zone” in the secondary, the defense carried the team to a 24-10 Super Bowl 50 win over MVP Cam Newton and the Panthers.
The following five years weren’t as successful. The Broncos struggled to replace Manning and Gary Kubiak after his retirement, finishing 32-48 from 2016 to 2020.
Still, Elway’s early impact was undeniable. He rescued a faltering franchise, reignited hope, and brought championship football back to Denver.
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