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The 1983 NFL draft produced arguably the best quarterback class in league historical past. The headliners from that group embrace Dan Marino, Jim Kelly and John Elway. All three quarterbacks led their groups to Tremendous Bowls, have been a number of Professional Bowlers and eventual Professional Soccer Corridor of Famers. Marino retired because the NFL’s all-time main passer. Kelly is the one quarterback in NFL historical past to steer his staff to 4 consecutive Tremendous Bowls. Elway helped lead the Broncos to 5 Tremendous Bowls and two world titles.
Additionally a profitable baseball participant, Elway’s athleticism paid off on the gridiron. His elusiveness complemented his rocket proper arm that helped the Broncos win 162 video games with No. 7 beneath middle. In celebration of his 61st birthday (he was born June 28, 1960), listed below are 5 quick details in regards to the Broncos’ Corridor of Fame quarterback.
A New York Yankee
Together with excelling in soccer, Elway confirmed sufficient promise on the diamond that he was chosen by the Yankees within the second spherical of the 1981 MLB draft, six spots forward of Tony Gwynn, one of many biggest hitters of all-time. In 1982, Elway performed 42 video games for the Oneonta Yankees, the place he hit .318 with 4 house runs and as many RBI (25) as strikeouts. Elway used his baseball expertise as leverage main as much as the 1983 NFL draft.
Draft controversy
Elway’s reluctance to play for the Colts (who owned the No. 1 general choose within the 1983 draft) has been highly-publicized. Elway mentioned that he would play baseball on a full-time foundation if the Colts drafted him. In pre-draft conferences with the Colts, Elway mentioned that he needed to play for both a West Coast staff or the Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins. However the Cowboys (who have been coming off of three consecutive NFC Championship Recreation appearances) have been set at quarterback, as 31-year-old Danny White was coming off of a Professional Bowl season. The Dolphins — after reaching Tremendous Bowl XVII with David Woodley beneath middle — would choose Marino with the twenty seventh general choose. The Colts took Elway No. 1, however finally traded him to Denver in alternate for 2 gamers and the Broncos’ 1984 first-round choose.
First to 5
Elway is the primary quarterback to start out in 5 Tremendous Bowls. Denver appeared in three Tremendous Bowls over a four-year span from 1986-89. Whereas Denver got here up quick in every Tremendous Bowl, Elway grew to become a bona fide star throughout this era. Down by a landing late within the 1986 AFC Championship Recreation, Elway mounted “The Drive” that led to an extra time win over the Browns. Elway received league MVP the next season whereas main the Broncos again to the Tremendous Bowl.
It appeared Elway would go down as probably the greatest quarterbacks that would not win a Tremendous Bowl after the 1996 Broncos suffered a stunning loss to the Jaguars within the divisional spherical of the playoffs. However regardless of a late-season slide, the ’97 Broncos rebounded within the playoffs to defeat the Jaguars, Chiefs and Steelers to earn a visit again to the Massive Recreation. Heavy underdogs in Tremendous Bowl XXXII, the Broncos grew to become the primary AFC staff in 13 years to win the Tremendous Bowl. Terrell Davis received MVP honors after speeding for 157 yards and three touchdowns towards the defending champion Packers. Elway’s helicopter run late within the third quarter has gone down as some of the iconic performs in Tremendous Bowl historical past.
After mulling over retirement that offseason, Elway returned for the 1998 season. Whereas accidents sidelined him for 4 video games, Elway was chosen to his third consecutive Professional Bowl as Denver received an NFL-best 14 video games. In Tremendous Bowl XXXIII, with the Falcons‘ protection centered on stopping Davis, Elway threw for 336 yards whereas throwing and speeding for scores in Denver’s 34-19 win. Elway received MVP honors in what was his ultimate NFL sport.
Comeback king
Elway’s 31 fourth-quarter comebacks put him in a tie with Marino for second all-time (and three comebacks behind Johnny Unitas) on the time of his retirement. His 40 game-winning drives have been second all-time behind Marino when he retired. Elway is presently seventh all-time in each classes. Elway had six game-winning drives and 4 fourth quarter comebacks within the playoffs. His ultimate postseason game-winning drive led to the Broncos’ game-winning landing in Tremendous Bowl XXXII. On the third play of the drive, his 32-yard completion to fullback Howard Griffith arrange Davis’ game-winning rating.
Among the many all-time nice QBs
Elway’s profession stacks up effectively with NFL’s different all-time nice quarterbacks. In accordance with Professional Soccer Reference’s Corridor of Fame Monitor, Elway compiled the eighth biggest profession by a quarterback in NFL historical past. A member of the NFL 100 All-Time Crew, Elway’s 137.78 factors places him behind Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Unitas, Joe Montana, and Drew Brees and simply forward of Fran Tarkenton, Marino and Steve Younger.
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