How Good Was PRIME John Elway?

When discussions about the greatest NFL quarterbacks arise, names like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning are often mentioned. However, John Elway's remarkable career deserves equal recognition in these conversations. Known for his powerful arm, exceptional mobility, and knack for making clutch plays, Elway's impact on the game is undeniable. Born in Port Angeles, Washington, he was raised in a sports-oriented family and showcased his athletic prowess early on, even being drafted by Major League Baseball teams twice. Despite these opportunities, Elway chose to pursue football, a decision that would lead to a legendary NFL career. At Stanford University, his exceptional talent was evident, solidifying his status as a top prospect. Elway's combination of physical gifts, versatility, and fierce competitive spirit set him apart from his peers. His ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory further cements his legacy as one of football's all-time greats. Beyond statistics and accolades, Elway's influence on the quarterback position and the game itself is significant, ensuring that he remains a pivotal figure in discussions about football greatness.

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[shannynwells]

When he retired, he had most wins, most passing yards and was the only quarterback to start 5 superbowls

[michaelcaffrey]

John took 3 not very good teams to the Superbowl. He literally carried those teams on his back.

[toddapplegate]

It's really important to understand he wasn't on great teams every season. He was always dangerous and no team thought otherwise.

[Michael-vvyd]

John Elway in my opinion is the greatest QB of all time. No one could do what he did

[orangecrush]

John Elway was an absolute beast that took 3 "meh" offenses to Super Bowls in the late 80s. Once he finally got a legitimate running back and offensive line, he got the Championships he deserved.

[AlanBennett]

Elway is the reason I stayed an NFL fan after leaving home and watching games with my dad. I was 23 in 1983, and Elway made every game feel important. In my opinion, his rare talent made him the greatest player of his era, and his accomplishments as the Broncos' GM are underrated. Josh Allen is the closest thing to Elway today, though Elway's passing velocity was still significantly better. Like Elway, Allen is asked to do more for his team than anyone else in football. I hope, for Allen's sake, he finds a coach like Mike Shanahan to help him succeed.

[Romans]

I love the Broncos since 1968 and absolutely love having the privilege of watching all of John Elway's games and until Mike Shanahan became head coach John Elway had very little around him.

[jaykay]

Might have been the most dynamic, physically gifted QB ever with an absolute cannon arm. I'll never forget the first time I saw him on TV, he was a sophomore at Stanford. I don't remember who they were playing, but he got flushed out of the pocket and had to roll to his left. As he was being chased and literally falling out of bounds, he fired a 50 yard strike (against his body) to Ken Margerum. I had never seen anybody at any level make a play like that, and I made a mental note that this is a guy to watch. Turns out I was onto something.

[gman]

John Madden said it best. "John elway was the closest thing to a one-man gang the NFL has ever seen".

[eddisonfoncette]

I'm a life long Hawks fan from the UK and I despise Elway and those orange bastards to this day. However I also have the utmost respect for John Elway back in the 80s, we had more talent both sides of the ball including some future HOF and yet this guy was in our way every year. He elevated every one around him and carried them to 3 SB, they had no right to be in. "The Drive " is only supplanted by Tom Brady's performance vs Falcons as the greatest exhibition of Quarterbacking under pressure I've ever seen. I was genuinely saddened when he retired because the game lost one of the GOATS . Go Hawks

[Corwin]

I don't remember who said it, but a former player once said "If I had to choose between John Elway and Joe Montana for a game-winning drive with two minutes left, I'd choose Joe Montana. But for a game-winning play with two seconds left, I'd choose John Elway.

[Keith-xo]

I saw at least a couple of throws in his HIGH SCHOOL highlights that looked as good or better than the throws I saw him make with the Broncos. He already had one of the best arms in NFL history when he was in high school.

[justfun]

Elway had the ability (particularly at the end of games) to outrun defensive linemen. This gave him time to find a receiver to throw to time after time. As a KC chiefs fan it was so frustrating to watching him and Denver beat KC. I did not understand why they did not change out linemen for DBs that could catch him.

[RagedSmeagol]

I watched those three first Superbowl losses and it really hurt but Elway came back strong and determined to win against the packers and then again against the falcons, so kind of redeemed himself, although in early years was let down by the rest of the team. Elway, despite not having the same offensive lines as the 49ers or in later years the patriots still managed to shine and will always be my favorite QB. Talented passer, strongest arm I have seen and a great scrambler and smart at the same time. 1980's - 1990's best NFL years!

[toddhawk]

Best QB ever. If I was starting a team today, I would take Elway to lead the offense. No hesitation in that decision.

[PVTShell]

Not one other player on those late 80s teams even made a single pro bowl. Elway literally carried them all to the super bowls. That's why he's the greatest. No one ever did more with less than he did. Bill Walsh tried to trade Joe Montana to Baltimore for John Elway. Even Walsh knew Elway was better. John Elway is the GOAT and I will die on that hill.

[billdurham]

As a New Englander a game vs Elway was always an event. Pats even dropped the cabin pressure on the plane to start to get used to Denver. Or so the legend goes. Anyway it was always a nail biter. And Moon was blast to watch too. Even in New England there were Roethlisberger tees that looked like the Budweiser Label.

[LouisDuran]

When I was a kid, the Broncos used to run their Summer training camp in my home town at Colorado State University. The year Elway was drafted into the NFL and ended up in Denver, I was super excited to have a good QB for the Broncos. I rode my bike down to CSU campus to watch the team practice and stood in line to get John's autograph when he was a rookie. Sadly, the Broncos never seemed to surround John with a great team until he was almost at the end of his career. Dan Reeves showed almost no coaching ability to do anything except have John try to make another 4th quarter comeback... I'm sure that wore on John.

[mertonhirsch]

Elways QB rating in his last 6 years, in a passing system would have been the all time record QB rating when he entered the league. He had like 3 total skill position pro-bowl teammates, and 1 offensive lineman in his first 10 seasons. He also passed in suboptimal down and distance on average because of the team strategy. His last 6 years rates, when he was past his physical prime were almost identical to Marino's and Montana's career rates, including their primes.

[jakedavid]

Most talented of all time when he retired. My fave