Former Denver Broncos GM John Elway had a notable tenure in the team’s front office. Serving as GM from 2011 to 2020, Elway’s early years were marked by success. Tim Tebow led the Broncos to a surprising playoff win, and Peyton Manning’s four-year stint culminated in a Super Bowl 50 victory, bolstered by an elite defense assembled by Elway.
However, Elway struggled to find a successor for Manning. His most infamous misstep came in the 2016 NFL Draft, when first-round pick Paxton Lynch turned out to be a bust. In 2018, with a chance to correct this, Elway opted for pass-rusher Bradley Chubb over quarterback Josh Allen, who has since become a key player for the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos, meanwhile, have missed the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons.
Many consider passing on Allen to be Elway’s biggest mistake, a sentiment Elway himself shares. In a recent interview on “Pardon My Take,” Elway reflected on this, noting that during a golf game with the 6-foot-5 Allen, he wondered how long it would take Allen to realize he had passed on him for Chubb. The answer came within two-and-a-half holes.
Chubb showed promise early in his career but was hampered by injuries and eventually traded to Miami in 2022. The first-round pick acquired in the trade was later used to secure current head coach Sean Payton.
Elway admits that not drafting Allen was likely his greatest error as GM, a decision that continues to haunt him. Allen could have solved the Broncos’ quarterback issues, a point Elway still ponders.
To watch the full interview with Elway on “Pardon My Take,” click here.