John Elway biography

Synopsis

Profile

Athlete, former professional football player, businessman. Born on June 28, 1960, in Port Angeles, Washington. A former Denver Broncos quarterback, John Elway was especially known for his last-quarter comebacks. He excelled at two sports growing up??football and baseball. After a successful high school sports career, Elway went to Stanford University where he played quarterback for its football team as well as serving a starting player for its baseball team. By the time he graduated in 1983, he passed for more than 9,000 yards.

The top pick in the 1983 National Football League draft, Elway ended up playing for the Denver Broncos. He helped transform the team, leading them to five Super Bowl championships in the late 1980s and 1990s. In 1987, the Broncos lost the New York Giants. The next year they were trounced by the Washington Redskins, which won by 32 points. The team didn??t fare any better in 1990 when it was beaten by San Francisco 49ers by 45 points. This had to be a frustrating time for Elway, making all the way to the finals, but unable to win that last game. Still Elway??s efforts were not in vain??the Broncos achieved Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999. First they defeated the Green Bay Packers in a tight game of 31 to 24. The next year the Broncos took out the Atlanta Falcons. During the game, Elway passed for 336 yards and running in a touchdown to score 34 points. His hard work on the field earned him the game??s Most Valuable Player Award.

During his 14-year career with the Denver Broncos, Elway passed for more than 50,000 yards and 300 touchdowns. He was named the National Football League??s Most Valuable Player in 1987 and played in nine Pro Bowls. He retired after the 1998-1999 season and was selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Despite leaving the Broncos, Elway has not left Colorado. He lives in Englewood with his family. He devotes his time to business endeavors, such as the furniture line he designed for Bassett Furniture and the restaurant Elway??s. Elway also serves as a spokesman for several products. In addition to business interests, he helps others through the Elway Foundation, which is dedicated to preventing child abuse and treating children who have been abused.

© 2013 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.