
Football Hall of Famer John Elway recently shared his thoughts after receiving a distinguished award from the National Football Foundation (NFF), while also providing insight into the Denver Broncos’ trajectory as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.

Elway, a legendary figure in Broncos history as both a player and executive, was honored for his lifelong contributions to the sport. In an interview following the ceremony, he expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and used the opportunity to discuss the current state of the Broncos, a team he helped lead to two Super Bowl victories as a quarterback and another as an executive.
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Elway spoke positively about the team’s performance under head coach Sean Payton. Despite a rocky start, the Broncos managed to make a surprising playoff appearance, their first in nearly ten years. According to Elway, that turnaround spoke volumes about the team’s perseverance and Payton’s leadership.
Much of the Broncos’ success in 2024 was tied to the performance of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Elway, who knows the pressure of the position firsthand, praised Nix for how he handled his first NFL season. Nix set multiple franchise records for a rookie, impressing both fans and analysts. Elway highlighted Nix’s poise and growth over the season, suggesting that the young quarterback could be the long-term answer the franchise has been seeking since his own retirement.
Elway also acknowledged the front office’s role in creating a competitive roster, but he emphasized that there’s still work to be done. In particular, he pointed out that the Broncos need to add more offensive weapons around Nix to support his continued development.
He specifically mentioned tight end and running back as areas where additional talent could help elevate the offense. As the team heads into the 2025 offseason, Elway said he believes they’re in a strong position. With significant salary cap flexibility and several valuable draft picks, the Broncos have the resources to address their remaining needs.
Elway expressed confidence in the current leadership’s ability to take full advantage of these opportunities, adding that the groundwork laid in 2024 provides a strong foundation for continued growth. This offseason also marks a major transition for Elway himself.
After years of serving in various executive roles with the organization, including general manager and president of football operations, Elway confirmed that his consulting contract with the Broncos officially ended in March 2025 and was not renewed.
He said the decision was mutual and expressed gratitude for his nearly three decades with the organization, spanning his time as both a player and an executive. Elway showed full support for the Broncos’ new ownership group and front office. He noted that he believes the team is in good hands and that he has confidence in their vision for the future.
Reflecting on the franchise’s leadership history, he said he couldn’t think of a better successor to former owner Pat Bowlen than the current ownership, emphasizing their commitment to restoring the team’s legacy of success. Although Elway is stepping away from an official role within the organization, his influence remains embedded in the team’s identity. His leadership helped shape the modern Broncos, both on and off the field. He remains a respected voice in NFL circles, and his insights continue to carry weight within the franchise and beyond. Looking ahead, Elway said he’s excited to see what the future holds for the Broncos.
While he no longer plays a direct role in shaping the roster, he said he’ll always be a supporter of the team and will continue rooting for their success. He believes the pieces are in place for Denver to build a sustainable winning culture and potentially return to championship contention in the near future. In conclusion, as Elway takes a step back from the day-to-day operations of the team, he leaves behind a lasting legacy.
With a talented young quarterback in Bo Nix, a proven head coach in Sean Payton, and a front office poised to make smart moves in the 2025 offseason, the Denver Broncos seem ready to turn the corner. Elway’s belief in the team’s direction serves as a powerful endorsement, and Broncos fans have reason to feel optimistic about what lies ahead.