John Elway

Inspirational Award

In 1983 John Elway received his B.S. in economics from Stanford University where he placed 2nd in the Heisman Trophy balloting, setting virtually every PAC-10 and Stanford record for offense and passing. John completed his college career with 5 major NCAA Division 1-A records and 9 major PAC-10 marks.

An all around athlete, Elway was the Yankees top selection in the 1981 summer draft. He was the first player drafted in the 1983 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts and was later traded to the Denver Broncos that same year where he spent his entire career. Elway holds the NFL’s record of winnings as starting quarterback. He was named the NFL’s MVP in 1987, AFC Player of the Year in 1993, was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week 15 times and AFC Offensive Player of the Month twice.

Elway is the only player in NFL history to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 200 yards in the same season for 7 straight years (1985-91). He finished his career with 51,475 passing yards and 3,407 rushing yards. Elway was responsible for 334 touchdowns and also ranks number one in the NFL for game saving comeback drives.

In 1998 Elway capped his career by winning MVP honors in Super Bowl XXXIII, leading the Broncos to their 2nd straight World Championship. In 1997 the Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers. John Elway retired from the NFL on May 2, 1999.

Elway was awarded the 1992 “Edge NFL Man of the Year” honoring the Elway Foundation, a non-profit organization for the prevention and treatment of child abuse throughout Colorado.

Elway is currently co-owner of the Colorado Crush, an arena football team and owns two restaurants (Elway’s) in the Denver area. Today John resides in Englewood, Colorado with his four children where he enjoys fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his family.