Club Shay Shay - John Elway Part 2

Summary

Club Shay Shay - John Elway Part 2 (December 31, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this engaging continuation, NFL Hall of Famer and Denver Broncos legend John Elway sits down with Shannon Sharpe for the second part of their in-depth conversation. The episode dives deep into the defining moments of Elway’s career: from his “Welcome to the NFL” moments and key injuries, to his legendary comebacks, the controversial draft saga, the evolution of the quarterback position, his time as a baseball prospect, and life as an NFL executive. Throughout, Elway offers authentic reflections, memorable stories, and candid insights into both his playing days and front-office career, while Sharpe’s personal experiences and playful banter keep the tone lively and real.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcome to the NFL & Toughest Hits

• Welcome Moment: Elway recounts his first big hit in his rookie year (@03:09). “Third game my rookie year…playing the Eagles. I took off scrambling…he took his forearm, hit me across the head, and my helmet came off. I said, okay, I got it. I won’t do that.” — John Elway (03:13)
• Hardest Hit: Against Pittsburgh, tried to leap a defender and got bent backward by two players. “I actually thought I was dead on, that I couldn’t breathe.” — John Elway (03:41)

2. Playing Through Injury

• Played entire NFL career on a high school ACL injury, bracing it from his second year in Denver. Missed very few games due to injury. “Once I put the brace on it, I didn’t have any problems with it.” — John Elway (04:39)

3. The Velocity of Elway’s Throws (and Split Gloves)

• Sharpe discusses how hard Elway threw the ball—so hard it split his gloves in his rookie year. “No more. So I just caught the ball barehanded in warmups, then I put the gloves on in the game.” — Shannon Sharpe (05:11)
• Elway admits he struggled most with holding back on quick passes, especially screens: “It was hard for me to let up on the ball sometimes, right? …The older I got, I had a little bit more touch.” — John Elway (06:11)

4. Historic Plays: The Drive & Iconic Super Bowls

• Elway breaks down some legendary moments, including the famous “Drive” against Cleveland, a 98-yard march to tie the game and send it to overtime (@15:01). “That was kind of my coming out party. It legitimized me to be able to do that…on the road, in the AFC Championship game.” — John Elway (14:49)
• Memorable discussion of his Super Bowl “Helicopter” play vs. Green Bay, and the pressure of “must-have” third downs (10:18–12:44).

5. The Culture of Comebacks: 'Mile High Magic'

• Elway and Sharpe discuss what made Elway so effective at fourth-quarter comebacks.
• “They give me too much of the credit…I believe everybody, like you just said, Mark Jackson says you haven’t heard of Mile High Magic. We all believed it.” — John Elway (13:36–13:54)
• Sharpe credits the belief and chemistry of those Denver teams.

6. The Notorious Stanford Band Game

• Elway recounts the wild 1982 Cal game and “The Play,” where a series of laterals and the Stanford band on the field led to a miraculous Cal win (@24:10). “That might be the wildest finish in the history of any sporting event.” — Shannon Sharpe (24:18)
• Elway admits: “I had hope they were going to overturn that for a week…but no replay back then.” — John Elway (24:51)

7. The 1983 Draft Drama: Refusing to Play for Baltimore

• Details how Elway and his father leveraged his baseball prospects to avoid going to an unstable Baltimore Colts organization: “The bottom line is to use the leverage to try to get to an organization—didn’t matter where it was—where we felt like I had a chance to win.” — John Elway (25:53)
• Explains it was about the organization, not the city.

8. Quarterback Draft Classes: 1983, 2004, 2020

• Sharpe brings up legendary draft classes. Elway confidently asserts the 1983 class is the best so far, with three Hall of Famers (himself, Marino, Kelly), but acknowledges the greatness of the '04 group (Eli, Ben, Rivers) and potential of 2020 (Burrow, Hurts, Herbert).
• Sharpe lauds Dan Marino’s 48 TD, 5,000-yard season as “the greatest passing season ever” (49:50).

9. Defining “Quarterback Greatness” & the GOAT Debate

• Sharpe and Elway debate criteria for quarterback greatness, referencing Brady’s seven Super Bowls and Montana’s unbeaten record.
• “It’s still hard to say, you know, with Tom winning seven. It's hard to beat that.” — John Elway (51:35)
• Elway emphasizes the importance of the QB/coach combination. “To be good in the NFL, you have to have the head coach and you have to have the quarterback.” (52:10)

10. Baseball Career & Dual-Sport Athletes

• Elway shares stories from his baseball days, being drafted by the Yankees before Don Mattingly, earning $150,000 (@39:52), and the infamous water balloon windshield story with teammates (41:12).
• Discusses why football-to-baseball transitions (like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders) work; explains hitting a baseball is “without a doubt” the hardest thing to do in sports (44:21).

11. On Shohei Ohtani & MLB Greatness

• Elway and Sharpe marvel at Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance: “To be able to pitch and do the stuff that he does is just like…I don’t think we’ve ever seen anybody like him.” — John Elway (46:16)

12. Executive Life: Drafting, Free Agency, and Regrets

• Elway details his approach to player evaluation as GM—valuing instincts, collaboration, and organizational fit.
• “The one thing that was very difficult to find is what this was all about inside...How is he going to stand up in a tough situation?” — John Elway (57:03)
• Admits biggest regret as GM was not overruling staff and drafting Josh Allen at 5th overall. “I regret it because I didn’t overrule everybody...That’s the one regret I have.” — John Elway (68:49–69:37)
• Cites Peyton Manning’s presence as the ultimate recruiting chip for free agents, emphasizing the importance of having an elite quarterback (64:20).

13. Legacy and Remembrance

• Elway reflects on how he wants to be remembered:
  • “A person that was a positive influence on the community…the most important thing to me is relationships…realize that, you know, he was a great football player, but a better person.” — John Elway (72:37)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “The Hit” (Welcome to the NFL):
  • “He took his forearm, hit me across the head, and my helmet came off. I said, okay, I got it. I won’t do that.” — John Elway (03:13)
• On Comebacks:
  • “[Mark Jackson] says you haven’t heard of Mile High Magic. We all believed it.” — John Elway (13:50)
• On The Drive:
  • “That was kind of my coming out party. It legitimized me to be able to do that…in the AFC Championship game.” — John Elway (14:49)
• On Missing Out on Josh Allen:
  • “I regret it because I didn’t overrule everybody...That’s the one regret I have.” — John Elway (69:31)
• On Quarterback Greatness:
  • “To be great in the NFL, you have to be able to win it from the pocket…The addition of movement is all an added bonus.” — John Elway (71:21)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Welcome to the NFL moment – 03:12–03:38
• Discussion of injuries/playing with ACL tear – 04:28–05:11
• Velocity and gloves anecdote – 05:11–06:59
• The Drive, comebacks, AFC Championship – 14:49–16:00
• Stanford Band Game Story – 24:10–25:00
• Draft Refusal & Trade Leverage – 25:39–27:06
• Baseball stories (Yankees, water balloon) – 39:52–41:43
• Shohei Ohtani, two-way greatness – 46:12–47:41
• GM regrets and Josh Allen – 68:42–69:37
• Elway on legacy/relationships – 72:37–73:32

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Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is candid, nostalgic, and lively. Elway’s humility and openness about both triumphs and regrets makes for a compelling listen. Shannon Sharpe brings energy, direct personal insight, and humor, drawing out authentic stories and reactions.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for any NFL fan, Broncos devotee, or sports history buff. It’s rich with untold stories, clear-eyed reflection, and nuanced discussion about what makes greatness—on the field, in the locker room, and beyond. Elway's candor and Sharpe's charisma make for a memorable, insightful episode about sports, leadership, and legacy.

Transcript

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[John Elway]

All.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[John Elway]

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[Commercial Narrator]

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[John Elway]

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[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down.

[Commercial Narrator]

Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th.

[John Elway]

Watch the trailer on trainer games.com thank.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You for coming back. Part two is underway. What was your welcome to the NFL moment where you like. Okay, this is definitely different than college.

[John Elway]

It was actually my third game of the year. Third game my rookie year.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay.

[John Elway]

And we're playing here. We're playing the Eagles. I took off scrambling, and I was coming down this. This right side, and I saw the safety coming. I think, okay, well, I'm gonna think I'm going out of bounds. I'm gonna give a little head knob cutter back inside. And he took his forehand and hit me across the head, and my helmet came. I said, okay, I got it. I won't do that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Was that the hardest hit you suffered in your career?

[John Elway]

No, it was against Pittsburgh here again. And I tried to go over a little and I can't remember the. The players, but there was. It was a db. And so I was. I tried to jump over him, and he caught me just right and he got me upside down. And then the safety come and got me right in the back. And I actually thought I was dead on, that I couldn't breathe. And as you know, when you get the wind knocked out. Yes. Right. You never.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It scares you, boy.

[John Elway]

Well, yeah, you're never going to take another breath in your life.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

You can't player in or out. You're standing until you never think. But that's the hardest one. I can't remember the player's names while it was here. And I. And I had tried to jump over and he caught me, and then I got hit in the back and bent me backwards. And so, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What was. What was the worst injury? Because people don't know this, but you played your entire NFL career with an acl, right?

[John Elway]

When I did that in high school, my senior year in high school. And then I braced it up, started bracing it up my second year here. When Greek we were in preseason, I was. I ran for a first down and I didn't get it, and I stomped and my knee shifted.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

And that's when Greek looked at me. He goes, you're wearing a brace the rest of the time. I said, okay, so that put a brace on it. So that really never. That was the worst injury. But once I put the brace on it, I didn't have any problems with it. But after that, I never really had. I hurt shoulders, pulled hamstrings and this and that. I Think the most games I missed in a row was maybe two or three. So I never. Then I'd had surgeries, but they were really all after the.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So did you practice with the brace? I don't know if you practiced with the brace.

[John Elway]

I did. I did later.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

Yeah, later I did, but then. But for the most part, no, I didn't. I didn't wear it in practice either.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I was just thinking about that. The. The bicep injury. I don't know. I was thinking about that. On the other way up here, when you was on the sideline and I was looking, you. You bend your arm, but did the receivers ever tell you. Cause I never. Cause I remember when I first got here, they were real stingy with the gloves, and people asking me, like, you wore gloves in the game when you warmed up, you caught barehanded. I said, because I caught the ball from John my rookie year, he split my gloves, and they wouldn't give me any more. So. So I said. I said, so no more. So I just caught the ball barehanded in warmups, and then I put the gloves on in the game because. But I could tell, though, because in the warmups, you really get in the go. I was like, okay, you know, you do it like this. You do a little soft toss, and then next thing you know, you like, like, bro, there. No, there's no. No db there's nobody. You got to fit it into a tight window. Did you realize how hard you were throwing the football?

[John Elway]

No, I. I. No, I don't think so. I mean, obviously, I know, and I, you know, hardest thing you threw was a screen pass. It was hard for me to let up on the ball sometimes, right? But, you know, I always. I threw it hard because it was like the windows were. Especially in the NFL, the window, they're quicker, right? And I always thought the quicker I get it for them, the quicker to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You, the more I could do something.

[John Elway]

With it, the more you can protect yourself, number one and number two, do something more with it. Kick correct. So, you know, I think the older I got it, you know, I. I calmed down a little bit with and got. Had a little bit more touch with it, you know, and just natural that the arm strength wasn't there. But I know, you know, it's just something naturally the way I threw it and, you know, and I. I look at it today, too, is like, you know, you look at all the quick screens and everything that they're thrown and how much more different work they do on those type throws that we never. I never worked on.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No.

[John Elway]

Just because we didn't throw those balls.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No.

[John Elway]

Right. And if we had, I think I'd have been a lot quicker, you know, a lot shorter releases, those type things where you're just flicking it and getting that there. That I probably would have become a better thrower if we were throwing those.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But nobody was throwing those.

[John Elway]

We weren't throwing those, Right. We. We throw a hit maybe right on the line to stop, right on the, you know, 5 yard, 6 yard or. I can't remember what we call it when you just turn around. I got a tea on the Smoke. Smoke. Yeah. So. But other than that, we didn't have, you know, nothing. Just the screen passes. But everything else mostly was down the field. Was down the field. So never worked on it in practice and those type things.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So when. When you threw that ball on the drive to Ricky, that you think that's the hardest? Not Ricky, that was Mark Jackson.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Do you think that's the hardest you've ever thrown, throwing a ball? Yeah.

[John Elway]

Yeah. And that was like. Because the thing is, you know, it was a rub route, right? And we. We had. Usually it was to Gerald. Gerald will have. Was in the flat. Mark was coming in on the slam, right. And usually the outside backer comes. And so I was planning on hitting the shoot rod, right? And I saw the outside backer drop off. And so then I knew I was going to Mark inside, but I'm like, all right, well, I can't. It's always hard when you're looking left. It's always hard to see people coming from the right side.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Correct.

[John Elway]

And Mark was coming this way, Right. Right. So I couldn't. I. I'm like, all right, it's third down, last or second down. I'm last. Last thing I'm doing is throw a pick down here, right. So I'm going. I'm throwing this.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You thought as hard.

[John Elway]

I'm throwing as hard as I can. Because if Mark ain't catching it, nobody.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Nobody's catching it.

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But it was low because he had to go down and dig it out. And you know, that's the thing, because if you down there, if you. If that ball pops up is getting picked, right, because everybody is so congested in there, it's not going to hit the ground.

[John Elway]

Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah. And the thing is, I mean, the D lineman, I mean, it misses D lineman's hand like that. I mean, it's amazing. And you know this in football, it's inches. It's inches, right. I mean, even on the third and 17 to Mark Jackson, we put. I put Steve Watson in. In motion. And it hits him.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The ball hit him on the hip.

[John Elway]

Hit him on the hip. And if he's. He's another inch back, that ball's going straight down. Right. So, you know, look, especially looking back, those little things that happen, games that are so important, the change outcomes and, and, you know, you got to have a little luck.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Did you have a favorite play?

[John Elway]

I don't think so. Not that I can remember. You know, I. The one thing I like, I liked, always liked running. The quarterback draw.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, yeah. When you go back, you go back and you think they go, you go, they go. You're going to pass the ball and then you just run into the.

[John Elway]

Yeah. You know, and it was a design quarterback draw. So that was always. I always enjoyed doing that. But pass plays, it's hard for me to. I know. I always. I was superstitious. We already ran. We always ran 22zn. First play of warm ups. Yeah. Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We got.

[John Elway]

You got the short cross wide rod.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You got the znz.

[John Elway]

Yeah. But that was, that was the first play my whole career.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. When Mike got here. So it was good. You got zn, then you run stick, then you run a basic, then you run a flank or drive. You got the basic.

[John Elway]

Exactly.

[Shannon Sharpe]

When we ran, I think it was. Was it Seattle, that in the Super Bowl? Because we were supposed to. Always supposed to run returns. So we go down three steps in and then return. And I remember you like, well, well, Mike, what happens if they don't play this coverage? You like 100% of the time they play this coverage.

[John Elway]

Oh, no, no, no. That's. That's Green Bay, right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, Green Bay.

[John Elway]

Super Bowl. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, that's on the third and six.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Right. That what they call it, the helicopter.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

So it's like. I remember talking. I just like. And we ran it three times practice, and you got it. I called it every time. It was like. It was like. I didn't. I still didn't like it, even though. Because it wasn't like an easy trope.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It wasn't.

[John Elway]

No. And I had to go over somebody or whatnot. And you know, down there. I hate doing this. Yeah. And so there was something I didn't like about it. And I kept telling that even though you caught it every time, it just, it wasn't open enough for me to feel comfortable with it. And so that's when I went to Mike and I said, mike, I really don't like this plane. He goes, john, that's when I said, like you said, what if we don't get this coverage? John, it's 100. This formation, this coverage. We'll get this coverage. It'll be 100% of the time. I said, all right. And so then I said, well, I still don't like him, Mike.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He called me.

[John Elway]

And so it's third six, and here it comes. It's gonna remember the name. I can't remember the name now. Here it comes. I'm like, oh, God. Sure enough, was it Pryor?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I think it was Eugene Wilson. But they brought a different. They brought another safety in a white guy. I forget his name. I think he was at Indy at one point in time. I think it was Pryor.

[John Elway]

Yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because you knew if you slide, they're gonna mark you where you start to slide. And so they thought you was gonna slide. So they came in like this. And you go up over the top sp. They spun you around, right? And you got. You. You're like, I'm okay. I'm okay.

[John Elway]

I'm okay. Well, I was like, you know, the thing is, it was like, I got outside, I looked for the first down. I was still trying to find you guys down there, see if you guys could find a scene right when there. And that's when I turned it up. And I knew. I looked at the first down, and I hear they come and there's. And I'm like, all right. They think I'm gonna just go down. I said, the only way I can get. I put the old 6 inch vertical and go over the top, you know? But the thing is, it discombobulated.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Right. And I was like. And it did kind of hurt my ribs, too, but that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The.

[John Elway]

The adrenaline was going crazy. Right. And so I remember. And I. And I kind of get up. Even as I get up, and I'm kind of. It looks funny, me getting up, and I'm a little discombobulated. Then I looked at our sideline. Yeah. And our sideline was going. And I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That'S exactly. He's like, yeah, I'm all right. I'm all right. Okay, I'm dead.

[John Elway]

Then we got the first.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What was it about the comeback that made you so great at it? I remember the first time we were playing Kansas City, and we were down, like, 19 6. Yes. We got five minutes. And I remember Vance Johnson and say, oh, man, we good. Good, bro. We losing. And Kansas City got the ball. What you mean, we good? He said, Nah, nah. 7. Hey, you ain't never heard of Mile Half Magic? I was like, nah, I ain't seen none either. And next thing I know, we score a touchdown, they stop him, and we get the ball back with less than two minutes and you throw a touchdown to Mark, to Vance in the south end zone and we win. Yeah, that was really like the first time that I like.

[John Elway]

It's incredible. You know what, Zan? And I think the key thing is we've done it a couple times.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

And I think the key is they give me too much of the credit. Credit. Because I believe everybody, like you just said, Mark Jackson says you haven't heard of Mile High Magic. Yeah, we all believed it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They did. We did, Right?

[John Elway]

We did. I started and we all believed it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right? Yes.

[John Elway]

Right. Yes.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

You learned it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I did. I did.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Right.

[John Elway]

And so that's when, you know, it was a team thing. The fact that everybody knew that, hey, listen, it's time to go. We. We running out of chances. And so, you know, it was just a matter. And plus, you know, Dan opened it up a little bit more too at that time. Right. So you run around and you, you know, you're not as. Because as, you know, playing for Dan, it conservative early and don't make mistakes and, you know, so. But finally the game opened up and it was a matter we had a bunch of playmakers, you know, Mario Mark and Vance and Ricky Natiel and so, you know, and the offensive line believed it. Yeah, I think that that was the key thing is that we started doing it and it was contagious and everybody knew that. Okay. They got excited about the opportunity to say, hey, listen, we get a chance to prove it again and.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

So I think that was the key.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Was it the drive that gave you the confidence to like, you know what? I belong in NFL. I'm that guy. Because you're on the two yard line. Yeah, it's either now. Never.

[John Elway]

Yeah, that. You know what, Shannon? That would kind of legitimize me for the first time, you know, especially my first year. I struggled the first year. Second, second year, it was better. We, you know, we were 13, three, had the home field advantage wrapped up, got beat in the first round.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

You know, and then we had a good third year. So this was my fourth year and we'd had a good year then. And so, you know, that was kind of my coming out party. It was my. It legitimized me to be able to do that, go 98 in, you know, on the road, in the AFC championship game circumstances and all that stuff that I think it kind of, it put me on the map. And so that was the one that kind of put me on the map. And then, you know, from there it was, you know, went to a couple Super Bowls, you know, went super bowl that year and had a good first half. We didn't play well the second half, but.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And that was, I mean, 15 plays, 98 yard, you overcame a third and 18. The play that you mentioned to, to Mark, he, he, he caught it and he had to, like, back up and then get skinny and to get the first down, the ball hit Steve on the hip.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So there's a lot going, a lot going on there.

[John Elway]

Yeah, there was. And that, you know, that's another thing about football too, is like, because when we, we're sitting there on the two yard, there's a TV timeout.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

And we're all standing around. I mean, it was.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[Shannon Sharpe]

All.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat, everybody showing that school pride. A game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there.

[Commercial Narrator]

Mmm.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere, and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Big Lone]

What's up, y'?

[Shannon Sharpe]

All?

[Big Lone]

This is big Lone from It's Up There podcast. In this powerful episode, we're breaking down the danger of silence and how way too many of us are taught to protect the vibe instead of protecting ourselves. We spend more time researching cause, microphones, sneakers. Then we will researching on how to protect our bodies and our partners. If you have an honest conversation, one uncomfortable minute can save you a lifetime of regret. The CDC says nearly one in five people carry an STI and most don't even know it. Real intimate isn't built in the dark. It's built in the disclosure. Condoms, testing transparency. Those aren't passion killers. They're peace builders. It's too much risk in our silence. Speak up. You can listen to this special episode of It's Up There podcast with Lone, brought to you by Healthy Sexual from Gilead sciences on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Commercial Narrator]

Look, no one's journey is the same. That's why Delta Sky Miles lets you do it your way. From earning miles on reloads for coffee runs, shopping and things you do every day to connecting you to new places and experiences, a SkyMiles membership fits into your lifestyle, letting you do more of what makes you you. It's more than travel. It's the membership that flies, dines, streams, rides, and arrives with you. Every great journey deserves a great story. And when you have a membership that's as unique as you are, there's no telling how your story will unfold or where that journey will take you to next. SkyMiles is the membership that will be here for all your big and small moments. The membership that's there for every solo adventure or family trip. The membership that comes with the power of partnership from brands you love. The membership that moves with you. Learn [e-mail] SL Skymiles make their holiday.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Unforgettable with a gift that says it all from Pandora Jewelry. A gift that tells a story and shows you know theirs that doesn't just sparkle but speaks. From new festive charms to forever rings and personal engravings, this season, give a.

[John Elway]

Gift that's perfectly theirs. Whether you're shopping for a shiny surprise for your significant other, matching bracelets to celebrate your friendship, or a heartfelt gift for a family member, say more this holiday season with Pandora.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

I always look forward to the holidays because I live to give all the women in my life jewelry with a little something special engraved on it just to show them I care with something personalized. You know, I love to get some gifts myself and a man wearing jewelry is quite cool if you ask me. Shop [e-mail] or visit your closest Pandora store.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, I'm Frank and I have Hidradenitis suppurativa hs. Before starting Cosentyx, I was so uncomfortable with my symptoms, like not being able to sleep on white sheets or wear white clothes. Now I can appreciate the little things.

[Cosentyx Commercial Voice]

Cosentic Secukinumab is prescribed for adults with moderate to severe Hidradenitis suppurativa. Don't use if allergic to Cosentyx. Get checked for TB before starting. Increased risk of infections and lowered ability to fight them may occur like TB or other serious bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Some were fatal. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms like fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough, had a vaccine or plan to, or if IBD symptoms develop or worsen serious allergic reactions and severe eczema like skin reactions may occur. Learn more at 1-844-cosentyx or cosentyx.com.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You'Re stronger than HS. Ask your dermatologist about Cosentex.

[John Elway]

Cold? Yeah, it was like in Cleveland, if it's 15, it's cold, you know, and it rained and snowed the whole night before. So, you know, the field was muddy and. And so we're standing there in the, in the huddle and we're all just sitting there and, you know, all I was thinking was, all right, we got to get some breathing room.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[John Elway]

Right. We still had all our timeouts. There's five minutes to go in a game. So it's like, all right, if we get some breathing room. You know, it's not a do or die situation just yet.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

That. But if we get some breathing room, then we can. That was. Start taking some changes, take some chances. And so we just kept nitpicking. And then, you know, I threw a, A post to Sewell coming out of the back.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

That was kind of the first big player that got us down the field. And the funny thing is, yeah, as you've. And we've been there before, as you start moving the ball, it gets quieter and quieter and quieter and you can feel, you can just feel the momentum swift shift. And then as we kept moving then our. We guys, we went like this and they went like that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, right.

[John Elway]

Mentally. And so. And then we were able to make some plays and get it down there and get the touchdown. So, you know, a lot of people forget too. You know, that was just to get it into overtime.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, Right.

[John Elway]

But overtime, we had them in over because they were shocked.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They were shot.

[John Elway]

They were, they were shocked because we're in overtime. And then, you know, we're able to continue the momentum that we had in that last drive because we hadn't done a whole lot. They were really good on defense.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

You know, and solid. And so we hadn't done a whole lot offensively the whole game. And so. But those last two drives, we got it when we started getting that confidence and they were down dumps that we were able to win it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Was that the first time? Because you seem to have Marty's number because, rest your soul, Marty, Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach in Cleveland. And then he goes to Kansas City and there are so many times that we got him 98. We start the season, we are, we are 12 and oh, and we played. I mean, I think if that's your last 400 yard game too, they would they got a box. I have never seen a boxing. Who plays a boxing one in football. I got a man and they play his own everywhere else. And you know, you throw me the ball. You like, you got to keep. I'm like, bro, you see that guy standing over there? But yeah, but you got a guy trailing you, so.

[John Elway]

Well, you know what the thing. Yeah. There is something with Marty. Right. Because the next year. So that was 86 in Cleveland. 87. They come here in the AFC championship game. That's when Ernest.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yep.

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yep. And I think you got him again in 89.

[John Elway]

So then we missed a year and then 89 they come back here and that was. That wasn't close. But we made them good that year. But yeah, it was like something. Then Marty went to, you know, Cleveland or Kansas City and we beat him. The AC Championship game. And then we have the other ones. And so. Yeah, that was now when Montana was in Kansas City. They did get us on a Monday night.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They got us on a Monday. I thought we had them. I thought we had them. We had. But we had the guy bracketed. Ben Smith jumped it because we got Hoonah inside.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

If he stays outside, he picks the ball.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But he jumps inside and he do option backs out. Joe hits him and. Yeah, but that was. That was a lot of people.

[John Elway]

That was kind of the. That's the one time. I don't remember that we got beat late in the game here.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Commercial Narrator]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You're right. So. But yeah, in college, your last year, I mean, you can't. I think. Who won the Heisman your last year?

[John Elway]

Herschel Wild.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Herschel did. Yeah, because Ed. It was you, Ed, Herschel.

[John Elway]

Yep. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

With the. With the finals. You thought you should have won it that year.

[John Elway]

I was second. I. We were five and six. It's hard to. Yeah. Yeah. It's hard to get even.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Get even. Getting there. Five.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Was that the cow game?

[John Elway]

Yeah, it was a cow.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Come on.

[John Elway]

That was. Yeah, that was the last game we were supposed to go to. We were gonna. We were supposed to go to the bowl game because we hadn't been to a bowl game because we were 4 and 7 my junior year. Pretty good myself. We were 6 and 5 or 7 and 5. My. My sophomore year we never gone to a bowl game. So if we win that cow game, which is our big rivalry, right. Then we're going to go to the Peach Bowl. And then four seconds to go and the lateral start happening. I mean it's.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Could you believe it? I mean when you. They Talk about that. Could. Could you believe that might be the wildest finish in the history of any. Of any sporting event without.

[John Elway]

I mean, I'm sitting on the side, you know, I'm sitting on the bench going, okay. And I mean, I can remember sitting there and we're kind of having a good time. Da, da. And can't believe, because we had, you know, we picked up a 4th and 8 team on our 4th and 17 from our own 13, right. To get down there to kick the field goal, right? And so we're like, wow. Yeah, we got down and da, da, da. And all of a sudden I'm looking and there, here comes this wad of people. And I mean, it's just like this. And I look down here, the band's coming on the field, and I'm like, the hell's going on? Right. Right. Next thing they go, touchdown.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know, he ran on the tuba player. I mean, the drum, the trouble. Oh, yeah.

[John Elway]

So it was crazy. But I will say this. I had hope that they were going to overturn that for about a week. Yeah, right. That. Okay. They're gonna see something now. There was no replay or anything back then, so you can't correct it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They had to be some. There had to be some illegal laterals. Oh, yeah.

[John Elway]

I think it was down twice, but it was like that. You know, that falls on deaf here, so it doesn't really matter, but. And I saw it every. I saw it every Thanksgiving for the last 42, 45 years. So I can laugh about it now.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You come out, you're the universal guarded number one pick in the draft. The Colts hold that. Now, if I'm not mistaken, your favorite player growing up was Vert Jones.

[John Elway]

Yeah, one of them actually was. Well, Starbuck was number one.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He wore number seven. Did you have an inkling? Did you get. Did you have an intuition that they were going to leave Baltimore? What was it about Baltimore that you didn't want to play?

[John Elway]

You know, it was more the owners. It was more the group. Right. And the thing is, I. I played baseball for the Yankees that. The summer before.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay.

[John Elway]

And so I had. I had. We had some leverage and so. And really, my dad was helping me and Marvin Demoff.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

You know, the bottom line is to use the leverage to try to get to an organization and didn't matter where it was.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Just to get to an organization where we felt like I had a chance to win.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Baltimore was not that, you know, the ownership, the organization was not in good shape. Right. It hadn't been. And Been, you know, so we knew nothing about them even moving, thinking about moving the next year. And so it was really a, you know, the leverage with baseball to say, listen, try to get to a place that feel like you have a chance. And. And, you know, you know what we tried to do instead of bashing Baltimore, saying, we're not going there because the owner and the ownership group and there, it's a bad organization. We don't want to play for them. We tried to make up other excuses to try to keep it friendly with and not make the. Their organization looked bad, but they ended up come back and haunt me. You stay in California, but.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

But we had the leverage, and the plan was to try to get moved. If it didn't. If they didn't trade the pick, then I was going to play baseball for a year.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

And then my name would have gone back in the draft the following year. So that was kind of the. Because I was not gonna. Once I made my mind up, I was not going to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Boss. Yeah. Yeah, you're pretty stoked.

[John Elway]

Even though we were thinking it was about the city, it was. I'd never been to the city, and it was not about the city. It was about the organization and having a chance to win.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right. So that was a conversation. So when did you come to that conclusion? Whether you and your dad, did you always know that you didn't. You weren't going to play for Baltimore, or was it the process of sitting down and talking with your dad? And Marvin's like, okay, what's our strategy here? I don't want. I'm not going to play there. Where else is there a possibility that I could possibly play?

[John Elway]

Yeah. And I think it was more that Marvin knew the organization. My dad knew the organization. He knew of Frank Kush and the coaching, who was. Because Frank Kush was at Arizona State when I came out of high school.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

And I didn't want to take a trip there because I knew his style. You know, he was a good football coach, just not my style. His style was. Didn't click. So my dad wasn't necessarily high on him either. Right. So really it was Marvin and my dad, because I didn't know anything about what organization is good. I knew who had good records, but I know organizationally which one was best. So they were the ones especially Marvin knew, you know, organizationally, where. Where would be good landing spots for me. And so, you know, Seattle was in it, the Chargers were in it, New England was in it. Let's see, who else? Cowboys, a little Bit, you know, and so I think Danny White was there, you know, and. And then the one that got brought up was San Francisco. And it's like, Joe Montana's in San Francisco.

[Shannon Sharpe]

San Francisco.

[John Elway]

Right. I'm like, ah, no, I am not gonna go, you know, because evidently Walsh had said something. And I'm like, there is no way I'm going with Joe Montana. There's no way I'm going to San Francisco. I'm not going to jump into that. So. So then. And Denver was in it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

And then Denver kind of backed out because. Because Marvin had talked to Denver and they knew my contract demands, which was a five year deal for $5 million.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

And they said, well, no football players worth that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

So Denver kind of fell out of the picture at the draft. And so we'd never think about it, really. Think about San Diego, who had three first round picks.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wow.

[John Elway]

Right. So. And I wouldn't mind going, you know, Don Corios down there.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So Air Coryel.

[John Elway]

Right. Air Coryo. So it was a good place to go, but ultimately they couldn't come to get a deal done. But we also think that. I think it was Gene Klein that was the owner at the time, was using that because Fouts is a free agent.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

So I think they were using me to draft me.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

To make fouls, to get fouls, to sign. And so. And then after the draft, my dad, I don't. I don't think he ever met. Did you meet Franz Pulsfoot with Broncos? Anyway, he was a good friend of my dad that worked for the Broncos in the scouting department. The Broncos. And that kind of got rejuvenated. Then two weeks later, that's how I got drafted or traded to Denver.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Come to Denver, you had you ever been to Denver?

[John Elway]

No.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Did players take trips like they do now, like the guys that potentially first round trips, do they take. Do they take visits like they do now?

[John Elway]

I never did, so, no. I never took any trips before the draft or anything like that. You know, I. In the combine, there was not one combine back then. There used to be regional. Used to have four different teams to get together. Right. So certain teams would be in that one. Certain teams would be in that one. Certain teams would be that one. So. And I didn't go to any of the combines. I didn't think I needed to go to the combine, so I didn't. I.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So you're like, hey, see, hey, he been doing. Hey, he was the first one to do it. Now I ain't throwing. I ain't running. I ain't doing nothing. I'm gonna be the first pick. Y' all know it. Look at the tape.

[John Elway]

Right, Right. But I was. You're gonna find out.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right. So when. When also you get a situation where Eli Manning, he comes out and he doesn't. It. He doesn't want to play for the Chargers. I don't know. It's because he don't want to be in the AFC with Peyton, because Peyton's already in the afc. How to move. Maneuver that and get to. To get the ending. Did they come. Did they talk to you? Did Archie or any of them reach out to you?

[John Elway]

No, no, we never really talked to him.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So.

[John Elway]

Yeah, because I was. That was like.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That had to be 2004.

[John Elway]

Oh, 2004. Yeah. No, I never talked to him about it. So. Yeah, never talked to him.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And you see Shador and how hard is it for a player? I think it's probably harder for prime, for time because he's a current coach right now. Your dad's retired. Archie had been retired for so long, and so it's different to have a. Your dad is an actual coach now, as opposed to your dad being retired. And Archie had been retired from the league to have a son that's playing and trying to help him navigate that pay.

[John Elway]

Yeah, you know, I. I think it's tougher than my dad had because obviously my dad wasn't in there. And I. Obviously, everybody, you know, knew Dion and what a great player he was in his day. And so, you know, that was just a unique situation with. With Shadour. And the fact. Because it was, you know, a great player at cu, did a hell of a job up there. Now, somehow it didn't fit somewhere. Right, Right. Somehow. Whether it be in the, you know, because the last thing you want in the NFL is your backup quarterback to be in the. Doing all the media.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, Correct.

[John Elway]

Right. And so I. I do think that that probably scared some organizations off, saying, hey, listen, we can't have the backup because, you know, Sudur and Dion have gotten, you know, they've both got up there. So whether they, you know, whether that's the issue or whatnot or, you know, I didn't. I did not study him, so I don't know. Right. You know, how good a quarterback he is. I think he's a good, solid backup for sure.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

And I think he's got to learn and. But, you know, in the NFL, it's like you got to get rid of the football.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Got to.

[John Elway]

You got to get rid of the football and making up for sacks is.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know, it's hard.

[John Elway]

Yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, it's instantaneous. You got to process. I think he does a great job. I don't think he has the best offensive line. I watched it.

[John Elway]

Oh, yeah?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah.

[John Elway]

And like I said, I haven't had a chance to watch a lot of shit or. I saw him a couple times play up in CCU and thought he was a hell of an athlete. Made some great plays, great throws.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And so you mentioned that when you came out and just all of a sudden you're like, I'm not going to Baltimore. And Terry Bradshaw being with these old guards, look, whoever drafts you, that's where you go. That's how they look at it. You don't complain. You're about to make more money than you ever thought you'd make in your life. And hear this kid, he had done nothing in the NFL and he's trying to call the shots.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And he was just ripping you left and right. And then when he came to sit down and interview you, they wouldn't even tell it. They wouldn't tell. The fans wouldn't tell about. Well, we're not helping you. You bashed out quarterback, get lost. Which he was lost because he needed to know where to go. So. But did you have an opportunity to talk to Terry? Did you guys. Because at the end of your last super bowl, he had. He was on stage and handed you the trophy.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So was there any. Between that time, 83 and 99, was there any chance that you guys had a chance to have a conversation?

[John Elway]

I don't recall one. You know, I. Since then, since I retired and later on, I have. And run around Terry a little bit. And I like Terry.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

But. But, you know, and I think that he didn't make. He didn't make it easier on me.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, right.

[John Elway]

He made it, you know, kind of rallied, supported. On the other side, he was kind of the lead anti away guy that said, okay, you're a, you know, spoiled blonde kid or, you know, surfer boy from.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, go back to California.

[John Elway]

California that thinks he's going to come in and dictate to the NFL, then go, you know, he said, go play baseball. And so, you know, that's the only reason, you know, he didn't make things. He made things tougher for me, which, you know, we added. Added incentive. And so it was nice for him to be able to give me the trophy. On the list.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You mentioned that you played the Yankees. They drafted you. You got drafted before Tony Gwynn, right?

[John Elway]

Yeah, Yeah, I was actually. I got. I got drafted before Don Manningly. Damn. Yeah, Don was the fourth round, my same year with the Yankees. I think he was the.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

What a matchup we got. Yo, this is that classic AC HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat, everybody showing that school pride. A game like this, yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola.

[Commercial Narrator]

Ah.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

Crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just. Just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And in ice cold Coca Cola, that's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Big Lone]

What's up, y'?

[Shannon Sharpe]

All?

[Big Lone]

This is Big Lone from It's Up There podcast. In this powerful episode, we're breaking down the danger of silence and how way too many of us are taught to protect the vibe instead of protecting ourselves. We spend more time researching cars, microphones, sneakers than we will researching on how to protect our bodies and our partners. If you have an honest conversation, one uncomfortable minute can save you a lifetime of regret. The CDC says nearly one in five people carry an STI and most don't even know it. Real intimate isn't built in the dark. It's built in the disclosure. Condoms, testing transparency. Those aren't passion killers. They're peace builders. It's too much risk in our silence. Speak up. You can listen to this special episode of It's Up There podcast with Lone, brought to you by Healthy Sexual from Gilead sciences on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Commercial Narrator]

Look, no one's journey is the same. That's why Delta Sky Miles lets you do it your way. From earning miles on reloads for coffee runs, shopping, and things you do every day to connecting you to new places and experiences. A SkyMiles membership fits into your lifestyle, letting you do more of what makes you you. It's more than travel. It's the membership that flies, dines, streams, rides, and arrives with you. Every great journey deserves a great story. And when you have a membership that's as unique as you are, there's no telling how your story will unfold or where that journey will take you to next. Sky Miles is the membership that will be here for all your big and small moments. The membership that's there for every solo adventure or family trip the membership that comes with the power of partnership from brands you love. The membership that moves with you. Learn [e-mail] Skymiles make their holiday unforgettable.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

With a gift that says it all from Pandora Jewelry. A gift that tells a story and shows you know theirs that doesn't just sparkle but speaks. From new festive charms to forever rings and personal engravings, this season, give a.

[John Elway]

Gift that's perfectly theirs. Whether you're shopping for a shiny surprise for your significant other, matching bracelets to celebrate your friendship, or a heartfelt gift for a family member, say more this holiday season with Pandora.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

I always look forward to the holidays because I live to give all the women in my life jewelry with a little something special engraved on it just to show them I care with something personalized. You know, I love to get some gifts myself and a man wearing jewelry is quite cool if you ask me. Shop [e-mail] or visit your closest Pandora store.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, I'm Frank and I have Hydrodonitis suppurativa HS before starting Cosentyx, I was so uncomfortable with my symptoms, like not being able to sleep on white sheets or wear white clothes. Now I can appreciate the little things.

[Cosentyx Commercial Voice]

Cosentyx Secukinumab is prescribed for adults with moderate to severe Hidradenitis Supratifa. Don't use if allergic to Cosentyx. Get checked for TB before starting. Increased risk of infections and lowered ability to fight them may occur like TB or other serious bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Some were fatal. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms like fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough, had a vaccine or plan to or if IBD symptoms develop or worsen serious allergic reactions and severe eczema like skin reactions may occur. Learn more at 1-844-cosentix or cosentyx.com you're.

[John Elway]

Stronger than H is.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Ask your dermatologist about Cosentyx.

[John Elway]

Third or fourth pick I was, I was their first, first pick in the second round and so I was shocked too, right, because they knew that chances are I was going to play baseball, I mean football, right? And so I was, I was kind of shocked that they drafted me that high and it actually, it worked out great. Gary Hughes, who's the scout, was, you know, rest his soul, was a, was a dear, became a dear friend and you know, playing base and then I went play baseball between my junior and senior year, right. And actually, you know, enjoyed it. Now it was different because playing baseball every single day Right. Gave me new appreciation for those major league baseball players that have to play baseball every day in and day out. And that is an absolute grind. Right. To be ready to go. So. But you know, I had a, I got off to a slow start, but I ended up having a pretty good year. But you know, ultimately I wanted to play football because I like playing the quarterback position. I think it's, it's the hard.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's the, it's the best.

[John Elway]

It's the best. But, but it's most gratifying to. I think that if, you know, you can survive it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

And so, but yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So what about that 150k? That didn't hurt though, did it?

[John Elway]

No, that didn't. No, that, that did not hurt.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I forgot a taller kid with 150k in his pocket.

[John Elway]

But I will say this, it also helped me in school because when I was my first two years, I was playing both. And then we'd go to spring ball and when we were in spring ball, I play baseball games on, on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. And I'd go to spring practice on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday morning. I'd go from football practice, go right to the locker room, right. Take my football gear off, put my baseball gear on and go play baseball. Wow. So that was a lot. Yeah, it became too much. And so the 150k was really good. But also it allowed me to, you know, spend a little more time on studies and kind of enjoy the college life. To where that spring I. The last two springs, you know, I had a chance to have some fun at school.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What, what did you buy? Did you buy a car? Did you buy anything?

[John Elway]

I bought a 280ZX, black and gold and T tops. T tops, absolutely. So it's funny. So I got a great story. So I live in this Dell house and it's called the Dell House. It's three stories at Stanford and there's all a lot of football players, a lot of athletes, da da da. And we sort of. We have this parking lot and up tops the deck and da da da. So I gone down and bought this brand new. It is shiny, shiny. And I'm driving it in and when I'm driving in, I see these dudes up on top of the, the deck up there, right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

This ain't gonna go good.

[John Elway]

So there's one parking spot right below them and they're on the third floor, right? So I pull in there and I'm looking, I start looking up at them. All of a sudden I see all three of Them lifting something. They got this water balloon that is like this big, right? I mean, it's huge. And so all of a sudden I see him and it was three lineman too. And so they sit there and they throw it over the top. I see it coming down, I'm like, ah. It hits my windshield, shatters it on.

[Shannon Sharpe]

My brand new 286. Wow.

[John Elway]

Just shattered.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So those are your teammates?

[John Elway]

They're my teammates. And it just shatters. And so. And I went to look at them. They had all gone. I went in the house to try to find them. They're all hiding, right. But yeah, so that's the one thing about the 280ZX. And first day I drove it home, they shattered the windshield on me.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Who's giving you Mount Rushmore? Baseball or baseball players that played the NFL that played baseball. You got Dion, Bo, yourself. My homeboy Brady was drafted, I think as a catcher to Expos Russell Calamari and Cap.

[John Elway]

Well, for sure. The two that really had accomplished are Bo and. And Dion.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Really?

[John Elway]

Those are the only, you know, actually played in mlb. Yeah. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't know if you remember Brian Jordan. He ended up leaving football. He was a safety for the Falcons. He ended up leaving, going play for the Braves and the Cardinals.

[John Elway]

Okay, then he's got to be that. But yeah, I would say those guys. You know, Johnny lynch played baseball too.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, yeah, that's right.

[John Elway]

Yeah. Johnny lynch played baseball also.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So Kyle Kyler was the eighth pick in the draft, so. But he.

[John Elway]

Yeah, he didn't.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We don't know what he was.

[John Elway]

Well, you know, else.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wilson, Russell.

[John Elway]

Russell. Did you mention him or. No.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

Okay.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, well, he was a second baseman.

[John Elway]

I'm not sure. Okay, I'm not sure.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But why are baseball players so good at football?

[John Elway]

You mean football players better at good at baseball?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Well, no, I don't know about that. I think, I think the easier transition is baseball to football as opposed to football to baseball.

[John Elway]

Well, I don't how many transitions you've seen from baseball to football.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Football, baseball to football.

[John Elway]

I don't think there's been a lot of transition from baseball to football. I think, I think. Here's what I think. I think there's football players that go to baseball because baseball is all about the hitting. Yeah, right. So sure. If, if. Especially if you're an outfielder, which I think all those, you know, we all. Most of us were as outfielders. So really the only time you spend is that really in baseball you're hitting. So if you can hit right, then chances Are you're going to be able to play the outfield?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Especially you can run like those, like Bo and Dion and those type things. They're going to be able to play the outfield. Whereas there's so much more involved in the football side. Practice time.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

You can practice more by yourself and just take. Get them pitching machines and hit balls.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, right.

[John Elway]

And then take some outfield. So I think there's a lot more practice involved in football than there is baseball. That's why I think you see the transition more football to baseball rather than baseball to football.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Probably definitely helped Mahomes is his footwork, the arm angles. Because as an infielder you have to chug. You know, sometimes you're over the top, sometimes you three quarter slide.

[Commercial Narrator]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And I think that's definitely.

[John Elway]

And plus his dad was a baseball player. Yes, right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. So I asked Time Time say the hardest thing to do in sports is hit a baseball.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Is that the hardest thing to do?

[John Elway]

Yeah, without a doubt. Especially with these guys throwing today.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They throwing a hundred and they throw, they throw the slide. They throw one of them.

[John Elway]

I mean you're looking at. We watch it on tv, go. Oh, that'd be easy. Crazy. Have you ever stood in front of 100 mile an hour fastball?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I can't imagine.

[John Elway]

It would absolutely scare the.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Absolutely. It would.

[John Elway]

Oh my God. It was like he throw 100 and.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Then come back with a curve. It's over, right?

[John Elway]

Oh yeah. Especially when that curve's coming out your head and then breaks to the middle of the. Yes, to the middle of the plate. Yeah. I mean there's no question. Especially as, as good as these guys have gotten and all the different pitches. I can't imagine hitting the sinkers. I mean I used to see sliders, curveballs, change up fastball balls. Now there's sinkers and they got cut fast balls. They got the four seams, four Se and all the different pitches. Guys, it's like Anna's coming at you at 95 to 100 miles an hour. Right. So yeah, that's like.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So now do you have Cuz think about it, Bo. And time was playing football really not getting a whole lot of batting practice and then go and he go catch a flight and go play baseball. Bo was, you know, he would play after the season was over and we got. I remember that was my rookie year when Bo came and he. They tossed in the ball and he ran over Ronnie Halliburton and ran 50 yards for a touchdown. He ran 50 yard for a touchdown is that.

[John Elway]

Well, that's the other thing too. Right. So you look at a running back, he can run, you know, he can run.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

Right. And he can catch because he's a good athlete. Right, right. And so the running back doesn't necessarily have to be as integrated as a wide out.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

Or quarterback. Right. You know, same way with Dion at corner.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because he's covering the guy. He ain't even coming to the huddle. He don't even care what the coverage is. He don't even cover what the defense is called.

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He got that guy.

[John Elway]

Right. So I think the position they also played helped them be able to spend a little more time at baseball and do what they did.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Shohei, have you ever seen anything like it?

[John Elway]

No, no, no. Not even close. Not. Not. I don't think there's anything close to what.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, he's on. He's on a Barry Bonds trajectory. To be able to strike out 10 and then hit three home. I mean, that's crazy, right?

[John Elway]

Oh, yeah. I mean, Barry Bonds hit. I mean, he's as good a hitter as Barry.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. Right.

[John Elway]

Now you think so? I do. Wow. I just think, you know, Barry, you know, whether he is as good right now, obviously he's playing later. So there's more pitches too. Right. And plus, these guys only go five innings.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

And I'm not trying to. I think Barry Bond is as good as it was also. Right. But when you look at the total package of Shohei as far as now. Barry didn't pitch.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No.

[John Elway]

Right, Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The mindset you have to have a.

[John Elway]

Pitch and be able to pitch and do the stuff that he does is just like. I don't think we've ever seen anybody like him. Now, we had the same discussion too. Okay. Look at what Babe Ruth did, right. Back in the 20s and 30s, right? Now, he was that far above everybody of those players at that time. He was probably had that separation.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

To. Whereas. And you know, Ohtani has that separation now. But the big question is okay with separation from what? But you know, it's still the big separation, you know, so to compare Babe Ruth. Because Babe Ruth pitched.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Compare those two is, you know, they're the two best baseball players to play the game when it comes down to separation at the time that they play. Now, who's better between those two?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, I mean. Well, Shohei has won three consecutive MVPs. I mean, he's a four time MVP. He's a two time. And that performance that he had in divisional round of the playoffs, where he pitched, struck out 10, and then he hit those three home runs. I don't know if we'll ever see that again.

[John Elway]

No, no, I agree.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But he's unbelievable, I think, because if you go back and look at it, John, there were guys that are. That pitched in college that were tremendous hitters, but they wouldn't allow them to do both in the mlb and shohang people like, look, if he can't do both, he's not coming to your team.

[John Elway]

Yeah, right, right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because there are a lot of pitchers that hit.400, hit middle fours, but they had to choose. They'd like, okay, you're gonna pitch.

[John Elway]

Right. Which seems funny.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

They don't spend that much time throwing the ball. They should have plenty of time to hit the ball, too. Right. You should be on the mound that long. So. But yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What do you think?

[John Elway]

You know, And I think what changed that, too, is the dh.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes. Because they got it in both leagues now, right?

[John Elway]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They had to. That was so unfair that the pitcher, because he was easy out. Yeah, I got you.

[John Elway]

Then they go to the World Series and the National League hitters or the. Yeah, the National League hitters. Pitchers. Or the American League pitchers would have to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Have to hit. Yeah.

[John Elway]

They'd have to, like, Just get me out of here.

[Shannon Sharpe]

When you look at the draft class, the 83 class, you got you, you got Kelly, you got Marino and the four, you got Eli, you got Ben, you got Philip Rivers and 2020, you got Joe Burrow, you got Hurst, you got J. Is your draft class the best quarterback? Draft class?

[John Elway]

Well, time will tell. You know, I think we got. What do we. We have three hall of Famers.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You got three. You got three hall of Famers.

[John Elway]

And then what was the next year?

[Shannon Sharpe]

You said Eli on four, Eli won two Super Bowl, Ben one, two Super Bowl. Phillips unfortunately, didn't get there.

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And then in 2020, Burrows being Hertz has been twice and one, and Jordan Love has yet to get there.

[John Elway]

Yeah. Well, time will tell. I think now the old four class is pretty good, right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

When you're talking about Super Bowl. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

With Eli and Ben and Phil, you're.

[John Elway]

Talking about Super Bowls now. You know, Ben was probably. Ben's definitely the top of that group. Right? Yeah. So. But if you talk about 83, you look at what Danny did. Even though Danny didn't get there, you look about, you look at what he did in the passing game in those years. He threw for 5,000, 8,000 yards in 1980. Four.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. 48 touchdowns. That is the greatest. That. I don't care what anybody says. That is the greatest passing season ever. Considering what the rules were correct, and how they attacked the quarterback. 48 touchdowns, 5,000 yards back then is like 6,000 today. Today's game.

[John Elway]

Absolutely. And so, I mean, and then you look at what, you know, what Jim did, going to four, straightforward. Even though they couldn't get over the hump.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yep.

[John Elway]

That's a hell of an accomplishment. So, you know, and plus, I'm biased, I think, you know, so I'm going to say 83 right now, but you never know. Time will tell. But, you know, you look at, you know, myself as well as Jim, what Jimmy did and what Danny did, you know, because Danny went there in his second year.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yep.

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So he got. He got Joe.

[John Elway]

Yeah, exactly.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He got Joe. And they were. And they were at the peak of their powers.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, yeah, they had. Think about. They had Jerry, they had J.T. they had Roger.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Their defense was unbelievable.

[John Elway]

I mean, that's, that's the thing about San Francisco is their defense never, never.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Got the credit because they had those stars offensive.

[John Elway]

The stars offensively. And Bill, you know, and Bill Walsh was the offense coach and offense coordinator. So, you know, but they never. They. Yeah, they were the unsung heroes. They were. They were always that good on defense, too.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

You.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We get this and I don't know when it happened. The goat, you know, you get Joe and you get Tom, you Mahomes get sprinkled in there. How do you determine the greatness of a quarterback? Does he have to have stats? Does he have to have MVPs? Does he have to have super bowl and Super Bowl MVPs? What is the determining factor? Because clearly Tom with seven and five MVPs and all the passing yards, all the touchdowns, Joe is four and, oh, he never lost two come from behind against Cincinnati. Both times they beat. He beat Ken Anderson 81. And he beat Boomer in. What was that? 88.

[John Elway]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I. That's the thing is. It's. Okay. What is the. What, what's the criteria?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

That's the question to ask. But I think it's. It's still hard to say, you know, with Tom winning seven. Right. I mean, it's hard to beat that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Do you think so we somebody going to beat that number?

[John Elway]

No, no, no, no, I don't think so. You know, and I, you know, I.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Mean, I mean, think about it. He went to 10, right?

[John Elway]

Right. He went to 10.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You went to 10 Super Bowls.

[John Elway]

Yeah, I know.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And you won.

[John Elway]

Yeah. And I think, you know, you know, it's. That's the Tom, too. But, you know, I think Bill Belichick was that good too, right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I do.

[John Elway]

As that combination.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

I mean, you look at it, and I've made this comment. It's. You look at the league today, and it's the head coach and the quarterback. Right. And who. Who have the great head coach and the great quarterback. Those are the teams that. And now there's a lot of young, good quarterbacks. Quarterback. And a lot of good, young head coaches that are coming up. Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I love Ben Johnson.

[John Elway]

Yeah. To see how that. How all that plays out. Because there's a lot of young, good. But, you know, to be good in the NFL, you gotta have. You gotta have the head coach and you have to have the quarterback. Quarterback. And once you have those, then that's the foundation that now you have a chance every year. Yeah, Right. If you don't have that, then it's. It's a bad.

[Shannon Sharpe]

If somebody would have told me that you would want to be. After your playing career, you want to be a GM and you'd want to select players and you want to build a team, I probably wouldn't have believed it. What went into that thought process of you becoming the gm, becoming the executive vp, and you building a team and eventually building a team that ended up getting to. And winning a Super Bowl?

[John Elway]

You know, I knew I didn't want to coach. Right. You know, my dad was a coach, and so. And I knew how much time that he spent at the office when I was young. And then we know having played, how. How much those coaches. How much time is spent because they spend it with us most of the time when we're there. And then they have to spend that much time when we're not there preparing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

For when we are getting off the plane. They don't even go home on Sunday. They get home and go straight upstairs and start breaking down film for the week.

[John Elway]

Right. So I knew I didn't want to coach. Right. And plus, I'm not sure how good a coach I could have been as we talked earlier, because I. I don't know why he did something like that. Right, right. You know, you can teach coverage and all those type of things, but. But you can't teach the instinct stuff.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Which is the difference between good and great players. Right. Is the instincts. And so. But then I also knew I wanted to get back in football. And, you know, so being a GM to where, you know, could pick the coach, let the coach do his work, and then be a part of the personnel and Da. Da. You know, and collaborate with. With the staff, the head coach and those type things to put the best players what fits, what they want to do the best. And so that's what. And plus, I didn't have to spend nearly as much time, and I wanted to have some more free time because we spent so much time when we were playing. You didn't have a lot of free time either.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Well, yeah, as a quarterback, I remember you taking the. We didn't have the iPads, and you taking a laundry basket with all those tapes, those beta tapes in there, throwing them over your shoulder like you was a hobo and going home. So I just imagine, like, as a coach, people don't realize how much film coaches watch.

[Big Lone]

Right?

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't think they have any idea. Right.

[John Elway]

You know, and it's. It's getting better now because they got, you know, it's so much easier with computers and the tape and how they cut it up and all.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

They used to have to consider and cut.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You had to cut. They had to, yeah. Individual had to cut them. Now they break it down for all first and 10, all, second and five all.

[John Elway]

Yeah. So they can actually spend more time on game planning and seeing what they're doing rather than cutting those tapes up. But, yeah, because I still want to be in football. I want to be a part of it. I want to use what I'd learned in it, what I saw in winning teams, what I'd seen in losing teams, what I thought was important. And so that's why I decided to come back and do that. And I'm glad I did. It was a great experience.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But drafting players, how does. You know? I talk to Ozzy all the time, and Ozzy. I mean, his first two draft picks are top 100 players. Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden. Then he drafts Suggs, and then he gets Ed Reed. And I was like, bro, how do you. He said, I just believe what I see. I believe what my eyes tell me. The tape. He says, look, I want a guy that I watch on tape. If he comes to the combine and he runs fast, he jumps high, he's like, yeah, he's explosive. I can see why he did X, Y and Z, but sometimes guys are just football players. He said, suggs. I was like. He said, suggs. I saw Suggs on the track. On the track. On a track track with track spikes and tights, with no shirt on, run four eight. But somebody got 23 sacks. Right. That's all I know. He can bend the edge and he ain't got to run 40 yards to sack the quarterback.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So how. What was your process of breaking out a player? Like, okay, this is a player that we would like to have in this organization.

[John Elway]

Well, I mean, yeah. You know, Ozzy was one of the best to do it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Right. And he did have. He had instincts when it came down to players. Right. And, you know, trying to learn from him and what he did, you know, and he's also. He picked. He didn't go for the guys from the lower schools that had no names. He went sec, he went Big Ten.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

He went. Guys that were proven.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Solid, physical, big guy. Yes. You know, that was kind of.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

You know, Aussie style. And it worked. Right. And so, you know, for me, I had to learn that. Right. And kind of learn a style. Right. It was trying to find. And to me there was, you know, we had a great staff. Matt Russell was our director, player personnel, who. Who did a great job and had great instincts for. But it was more collaboration going through it. What we. What were the needs?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

You know, and trying to find. Because other than Peyton, we're trying to find that damn quarterback the whole time.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

And so, and the thing is. And like you said, you can look at tape, you can, you know, you can look at numbers because everybody. Most everybody has good numbers.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Right. And you can look at tape and it'll make some good plays and then they'll blow a play or make another great play. But, you know, and, and so it was like the one thing that was very difficult to find is find out what this was all about. Us inside of what is this all about. How is he going to stand up in a tough situation. The lights come on in the NFL, you know, and try, you know, you get so much time with them, it's tough to, you know, and that's why earlier in the league, you're earlier in the. In the draft, it's a little bit easier, but, you know, it's still 50. 50.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

You're going to hit the right guy and then. But it was more, you know, trying to find a full package of what fit for us, what were our needs and.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right. So your first draft, you get Von Miller. If.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

If What a matchup we got, y'.

[Shannon Sharpe]

All.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah. It calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And in ice cold Coca Cola, that's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Big Lone]

What's up? It's Big Long from It's Up There Podcast on this episode, we're unpacking the difference between toxic love and a real bond. How so many of us were taught to survive love instead of experiencing it. A lot of men think being solid means being silent. I'm good. I got it. That's the script we memorize before we even know ourselves. Because somewhere along the line expression got labeled weakness. So now we perform composure while we're falling apart. You'll share your body but not a conversation with and that's not intimacy. But what if being a man really means you care enough to communicate? Real love isn't loud. It's consistent. It's the small things. The small check ins, the shared accountability, the honesty that feels awkward but keeps everyone safe. Stop confusing numbness with dependability. We got to break the cycle and break the pattern. This special episode of It's Up There podcast with Long, brought to you by Healthy Sexual from Gilead sciences on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

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[John Elway]

Gift that's perfectly theirs. Whether you're shopping for a shiny surprise for your significant other, matching bracelets to celebrate your friendship, or a heartfelt gift for a family member. Say more this holiday season with Pandora.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, I'm Frank and I have Hydrodonitis superativa HS before starting Cosentyx, I was so uncomfortable with my symptoms, like not being able to sleep on white sheets or wear white clothes. Now I can appreciate the little things.

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[John Elway]

You'Re stronger than HS.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Ask your dermatologist about Cosentix. Let's just say if Cam is well, you don't need a quarterback because you got Peyton.

[John Elway]

Well, the first draft we did because we had Tebow.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That was your first draft. No, what you call dad already selected him.

[John Elway]

Right. But he's. He's played that year.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. Yeah, you're right. You're right.

[John Elway]

So it was a year. It was.

[Commercial Narrator]

Oh, no.

[John Elway]

We had got Peyton because. That's right. Because we'd already got. That's right. He was before. That was before the draft. You're right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No, no, no, no. Peyton. Peyton came in 2011, right?

[John Elway]

12.

[Shannon Sharpe]

2012. So you got Bond in 2011.

[John Elway]

That's right before Peyton was there. Right. So then we had Kyle Orton and we had Tim and. And Brady Quinn.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

And so. So yeah, but I. I don't remember who Cam was taking number one.

[Shannon Sharpe]

One and one by Carolina I just remember having a conversation with you and you said. And I asked you, you know, because everybody was talking about the Bronco. Go take Von Miller. I said. You said, he's Derek Thomas reincarnated.

[John Elway]

Yeah. Yeah, that was.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You say.

[John Elway]

I mean, I mean, Von Miller, for his size and speed, was most talented person we. I ever drafted.

[Cosentyx Commercial Voice]

Come.

[John Elway]

Not even close. What?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Bond. The way he could bend.

[John Elway]

Bend and strength and power and speed and everything.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

I mean, there was not. I mean, bond was it. He could do everything.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, he. He was.

[John Elway]

Especially when he wanted to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And, and well, if unfortunately, fortunately for us In Super Bowl 50, he wanted to.

[John Elway]

Oh, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because he, He. He wrecked the game. They couldn't. I don't know why. I don't know what made them think they could single him.

[John Elway]

I have no idea. Yeah, but he was. That. That was Von Miller. I mean, he. He just. I mean, the tools that he had were just. I mean, and speed to power. And he was so long, too.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey.

[John Elway]

And it was so long.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. He could lock out. I remember him. He hip tossed Kelsey. You remember that Monday night? He hip tossed Kelsey.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, he. And he was like.

[John Elway]

Oh, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But he was. He was unbelievable. How did you attract. I mean, it's a lot easier when you got Peyton, but how do you go about attracting free agents? You get a key to leave. You get a. A demarc. Demarcus.

[John Elway]

Where it goes back to who's, you know, having Peyton Manning here. I mean, that. Because if someone. And that's why having Peyton or having a quarterback, that's why you need that quarterback. Because they got to be able to believe in that quarterback.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

They got to believe that he's. That he's good. Because then they know they have a chance to win.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Correct.

[John Elway]

Right. So. So the one draw is that quarterback that you can draw to him. And that's what players will migrate to because they want to be on winning football teams. That quarterback's a great player, then you'll be able to get those people. And that's why, you know, because Peyton was here. Peyton.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What?

[John Elway]

Wasn't what he was, but he was still. I mean, in 2013, he threw for 5,055 touchdowns and 5,000 some yards.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Right.

[John Elway]

So he still was great. Right. And so being able to get those guys and. Right. And then DeMarcus was big, you know, because he knew. And so DeMarcus was kind of the first piece. And then Takib came and then tj. TJ came after that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So you got drafted. Malik and Wolf.

[John Elway]

Yeah, Wolf Was in the second round. We got Malik in the fifth round, right? So. But yeah, it was just a great combination. And Danny Trevathan inside was a great player. Brandon Marshall got him in the sixth round. Brandon Marshall was. Was later, fifth rounder or something like that. So just a great combination. Plus, Wade was a great defensive coach. Put it all together, too.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But Peyton, to get Peyton, knowing what he. There. There was not. Look, there was not. I don't know if there was a whole lot of suitors for his services, given what he had been through, because it wasn't like he was. He was like he was. Randy Johnson had a fastball. Anyway, so now dealing with that neck surgery, the firing, those. Getting those nerves to fire back, there was a possibility, well, he's not going to be able to be what he once was. But you wrote, you took a chance, like, look.

[John Elway]

You know, half a Peyton Manning still better than a lot of players at that point in time, right? So he was still coming off that and didn't know if things were coming back. But the prognosis was very good that things were going to be able to come back, you know. And plus, you know, we went through it. I think the Cardinals were in it, the Titans were in it. I can't remember else where he. Where he took a trip.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Tennessee.

[John Elway]

Yeah, the Titans. Tennessee. That's. That's the one that worried me, right, because he was from. He went to college down there. And so, you know, we just showed him what Denver's about, right? John Fox was here, was very, you know, a very good guy, good coach. Da, da, da, da. And so he was a good recruiter. But, you know, our plan was just to show. Show Peyton what we had, right? Show him Denver, you know, Mike McCoy is the OC get him with Mike. We all know that we're going to integrate Peyton, what you want to do into what we're doing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Bone, right?

[John Elway]

If you come here, we're going to do what you want to do, and we're going to integrate it and talk through it and da, da, da. And so, you know, and I think, as you know, it's so great to play in Denver. And, you know, Mr. Bone was still there at that point in time. And so, you know, the whole combination was, you know, was. Was a great fit for Peyton. It ended up being that way. So it was funny because I'm sitting at the desk. John Fox is there. Peyton told us, I can't remember. It was a Monday. He goes, yeah, I'm gonna let everybody know on Monday. And so he calls as Peyton on the phone and John Fox is sitting next to me.

[Cosentyx Commercial Voice]

Me.

[John Elway]

And I'm like. He goes, yeah. And Peyton says, well, yeah, I'm just, you know, I'm calling, letting people know what I'm going to do. And I'm sitting there going, okay, well is this the first call, the second call or the third call? He goes, well, this is the third call. I said, oh, okay. So that, yeah, I'm, I turned the other two down. I wanted to let you know that I'm coming to Denver.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, wow.

[John Elway]

Thank God. I'm the third call. And I told Fox and Fox went crazy. So. But it was great to get him here.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We're going to get you out of a few questions left. Cam said he's still haunted by not jumping on that ball in the Super Bowl. Is there a play that haunts you that you wish after all these years you could have a do over?

[John Elway]

Wow. One that pops in my mind all the time was I against the Raiders here. Mike Shannon was the coach of the Raiders.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay.

[John Elway]

And we're in overtime and I threw a deep ball and it was. I should have never thrown the ball. And they ended up picking it off, losing the game. And I can't tell, I couldn't tell you who picked it off or whatnot, but it's still one that picks that, so it has to be that one. That was probably the worst decision I made or worst throw I made to decision and throw. And you know, it's one of those. It's like, why'd you throw that one? Right. I always think about that. So that's probably, that's probably it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You said in your tenure you don't have a whole lot of regret of selecting players and for dragging free agents. Right. But you do regret that Josh Allen.

[John Elway]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Looking sitting right there. You had the fifth pick in the draft and you don't take him. You think that would have changed the fortunes?

[John Elway]

I do. You know, I do. And because I really liked him. But you know, the, the problem is I, in the way that I worked is I, I wanted, I wanted buy in from the coaching staff and I couldn't get the buy in from the coaching staff. Right. I couldn't get everybody on the same page with it. And you know, so. And I, I loved him now, you know, when he coming out, when he was coming out, he wasn't perfect.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, he was raw. He was, he.

[John Elway]

It was very, very raw.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

And you know, and his accuracy was the biggest question. Athletic as hell, big, strong, competitive and all Those type things. But, you know, there was a. You know, that was the one question. I loved him. You know that. And that's why I say I regret it is because I didn't overrule everybody.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And say, I'm taking it.

[John Elway]

I'm taking it him. Right. I'm taking them because now it's up to you to make him good.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

But none of the coaches were all kind of. And then, you know, nobody. And they were all hot on Bradley Chubb. Right. Because it was. I'm forgetting who the head coach was. It was. Was it Vijay at the time?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Might have been bj.

[John Elway]

It might have been Vijay. And so they were all hot on getting.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Pairing him with Vaughn.

[John Elway]

Yeah, exactly. Right. So I just couldn't get the buy in. And. And even though I liked him, but. So the, the one regret I have that we've talked about is that I didn't just overrule and say we're taking him right now. Again, you have to have the right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Coach told you to coach him up because you look at him his first year, he wasn't like that until he got with day ball. And now these coaches correct and be able to get.

[John Elway]

That's why if you don't have buy in on that offensive side and knowing that. Okay, well, so, but. So that. Yeah, that's the one we get as a gm.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Howie Long said, Caleb Williams is this generation's John Elway.

[John Elway]

You know, he's coming on.

[Big Lone]

He is.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He's.

[John Elway]

He's coming on. He's doing better. You know, the one thing he's moving around, he's not. Decision making is getting better and, and yeah, I think he is a. I think he's a great play. You know, it's like anything. He's still young. He's not, you know, to me in watching him, the few games that I've watched him, he's not hitting the ones he should hit every time. Right, right. The easy ones, the ones that, you know, the square outs, the hitches.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Those type balls that you should. You gotta be on target every time.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

That, you know, he's still a little. But that. That'll come right with. That'll come with maturity and.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But that throw that he made against Green Bay in overtime.

[John Elway]

Oh my God.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The one that he made a couple of weeks earlier where he threaded and needed through two guys and his guy catches it. I mean, he can. His ability to throw on the move and. Yeah.

[John Elway]

And the one thing that, you know, I. And this. And I believe this too, Shannon, is that As a quarterback, to be a great in the NFL, you have to be able to win it from the pocket.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Pocket, yes.

[John Elway]

You got to be able to make the throws from the pocket. Now the addition of movement and creating new, you know, creating big plays.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[John Elway]

Extending plays, that is all an added bonus.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

But to be able to be great. And that's where I, you know, that's where Caleb, I think, is getting a lot better.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Because in college is such a better athlete. Everybody, he could do whatever he wanted all over the place. Right. But he seems to be getting more comfortable staying in that pocket. Ben Johnson's keeping him in there a little bit when he's making those throws. And then the added bonus is the ability to move around.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The franchise tag was possibly created because of you, because Mr. Bolan didn't want to use you. So they wanted to be able to tag a player that they felt was a foundation piece that he was going to be remembered for playing for this organization. Do you remember anything about 1993, the free agency?

[John Elway]

You know, I'd heard the same rumor. I don't know if that's 100% true, but I had heard the same thing, that it was Pat that was. Won the. That that brought that up and was a staunch supporter of the franchise Tax.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[John Elway]

Yeah. And it was. I was. I was fine with it because I didn't want to go anywhere else anyway.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So how does John Elway, when it's all said and done 25 years from now, you. You came here in 83 and you never left. You have other places in different spots, but this is home. How does John Elway want to be remembered?

[John Elway]

You know, I would like. Yeah. You know, number one, is a person that was a positive influence on the community. You know, have the legacy, have the remembrance of a solid playing career, but also somebody that was a positive influence within the community and also was, you know, one that helped bring Denver, you know, out of the. Out of the dusty old cowboy days and, you know, hopefully, you know, bring the help, bring the city to where it is today. But also, I think the most important thing is, and I believe it in my. My life, the most important thing to me is relationships.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[John Elway]

You know, because it doesn't matter about money, anything else that you have. What you've done, all that stuff is, is the, The. The relationships that you have that, you know, that the people that I've met here and realize that, you know, he was a great football player, but a better person.

[Shannon Sharpe]

John Elway. Appreciate you, bro.

[John Elway]

Thank you, dude. Thanks for coming out.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, man, I don't get.

[John Elway]

I made it on Club Shay Shay made it now. All my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice hustle, paid the price Wanna slice, got to roll a dice that's why all my life I've been grinding all my life look all my life been running on my life Sacrifice hustle, paid the price Want a slice, got the rolling dice that's why all my life I've been grinding all my life.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[John Elway]

All.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat Everybody showing that school pride like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And in ice cold Coca Cola, that's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter what the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down.

[Commercial Narrator]

Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th.

[John Elway]

Watch the trailer on trainergames.com did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop. Voted PCMag's Reader's Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere. And Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission.

[Cosentyx Commercial Voice]

All rights reserved.

[Pandora Jewelry Announcer]

Season 2 of unrivaled basketball is here and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball season two, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5th on TNT, TruTV and HBO. Max.