John Elway was born on June 28, 1960.
The Baltimore Colts selected the Stanford quarterback first overall in the 1983 NFL draft, but Elway forced a trade to the Denver Broncos. Elway reportedly was wary of playing for the Colts, who at the time, were one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Although Elway was quickly able to experience personal success -- he earned his first of nine Pro Bowl berths in his third year in the league -- his first three trips to the Super Bowl ended in frustration. The Broncos' margin of defeat increased in losses to the Giants, Redskins and 49ers.
In the latter part of his career, Elway was able to finally win a ring. In 1997, the Broncos defeated the Packers 31-24 in Super Bowl XXXII and beat the Falcons 34-19 a year later. Elway retired in 1999 as the Broncos franchise leader for total Yyards (54,882), winning percentage (.641) and touchdown passes (300).
Elway was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. Currently, Elway serves as the executive vice president of football operations for the Broncos.
