Is John Elway Still Part Of The Broncos

You know that feeling when you see an old friend at a coffee shop, and for a split second, you’re not sure if they still belong to your world? That’s exactly what happened to me last Sunday. I was watching the Broncos game, half-heartedly scrolling through Twitter, when a fan in the stands held up a sign: “Where’s John?” and I thought, wait—yeah, where is he?

It’s a weird question, right? John Elway is basically the human embodiment of the Denver Broncos. He threw the passes, won the Super Bowls, and then ran the front office for a decade. So why does it feel like we’re all squinting into the fog, trying to spot him on the sideline?

The short answer is: yes, John Elway is still part of the Broncos, but it’s complicated. Think of it like that ex who still shows up at the family barbecue—technically invited, but nobody’s quite sure what to talk about.

Let’s rewind a bit. After Elway stepped down as general manager in 2021, he took a role as consultant to the CEO. That’s a fancy title that basically means “guy who can give advice but doesn’t have to stare at spreadsheets.” Pretty sweet gig, right?

The Consultant Life

As a consultant, Elway doesn’t have an office at the team facility. No daily commute, no parking spot with his name on it. He pops in when they need his two cents—like when they’re scouting a quarterback or debating a trade. But—and here’s the ironic part—he’s not involved in the day-to-day chaos.

So, is he still “part” of the Broncos? Legally, yes. Emotionally, for us fans, he’s like that dusty framed photo of the ’98 team in the lobby. You see it, you smile, but you don’t ask it to help you pick a new head coach. (And thank goodness, because his last few coaching hires were… well, let’s just say interesting.)

What Does He Actually Do?

According to the team, Elway still shows up for big draft meetings and important personnel discussions. He’s like the Yoda of Dove Valley—wise, occasionally cryptic, but mostly just watching from the shadows. Last year, he even helped lobby Peyton Manning to join the ownership group. (Classic Elway move: still working the room without a title.)

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But let’s keep it real: he’s not the one calling plays or signing free agents. That’s George Paton’s job, and Elway is probably thrilled about that. I mean, would you want to explain another Russell Wilson interception to the media? No, thank you.

The Fan Connection

Here’s where it gets sticky. The Broncos are in a weird era—new owners, young coach, a quarterback situation that feels like a soap opera. And fans keep asking, “Why isn’t Elway fixing this?” Because he’s not supposed to. He’s the retired sheriff, not the deputy.

I remember last season, after a brutal loss, someone tweeted “Fire Elway” and I nearly choked on my coffee. Fire him from what? His couch? The man literally owns a stake in the team now—he’s not going anywhere. (Side note: isn’t it hilarious that fans still think “firing” a consultant is a thing?)

The reality is, Elway’s role is more symbolic now. He’s the face of the franchise’s glory days—the guy who made the Orange Crush real. But the game has changed. He’s 63, and let’s be honest, the NFL is a young man’s sport when it comes to front offices. (Tell me you don’t picture him yelling at a cloud every time a rule change gets announced.)

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Will He Ever Come Back Full-Time?

Nope. Not a chance. The new ownership group, led by the Walton-Penner family, has made it clear they want modern, data-driven leadership. Elway is old-school—he talks about “grit” and “chip on the shoulder”—and that doesn’t fit into a PowerPoint slide. But he’s still on the payroll, and he still gets a ring if they win. Of course he stays.

Besides, do you really think John Elway wants to deal with coordinating a salary cap in 2024? The guy spent 11 years trying to find a franchise QB after Manning retired. He tried Osweiler, Siemian, Lynch, Keenum, Flacco, Lock, and even Teddy Bridgewater. That’s like trying to find a decent taco in a gas station—exhausting and ultimately disappointing.

The Final Take

So, is John Elway still part of the Broncos? Yes, but only in the way your high school quarterback is still “part” of the team when he buys a season ticket. He’s there in spirit, in lore, and in the occasional cameo on the jumbotron. But the heavy lifting? That’s all on George Paton and Sean Payton now.

And honestly? I think Elway is fine with that. He’s got his Hall of Fame bust, his two rings, and a lifetime supply of “but did they ever win without him?” arguments at cocktail parties. Let the new guys sweat the small stuff. He’ll just keep smiling from the owner’s box, probably wondering why nobody runs the bootleg anymore.

If you see him at the stadium this year, give him a nod. He’s not the man in charge—he’s just the ghost in the machine. And honestly, that’s exactly where he belongs.