John Elway’s legacy as the Denver Broncos’ general manager took a hit in the post-Super Bowl 50 years, but his resume will always include signing Peyton Manning, and that was no small feat.
When the Indianapolis Colts released Manning in 2012, he had plenty of suitors. The Broncos won the race to sign in thanks in large part to Elway.
“Denver just welcomed me with open arms,’’ Manning said in a recent pre-Pro Football Hall of Fame video press conference, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. “They were the only team that understood what I was going through emotionally, physically. And I think a lot of that was Elway.
“Elway flirted with going to other teams, rumors and whatnot. He knew how that could have affected him. He certainly knew injuries.”
Elway could relate to Manning, and that helped in recruitment. Denver’s coaching staff was also willing to tailor their offense to the quarterback, and that was appealing to Manning.
“They were the only team that said, ‘Hey, Peyton, give us your Indianapolis Colts’ playbook, we’ll form this hybrid offense with plays that we like here in Denver that we think will help you. … Not every other team was doing that,” Manning explained.
“So I will always be indebted to Denver with [John] Fox, Elway, [Mike] McCoy, [Adam] Gase for helping me in that transition. Just had a wonderful four years playing there.”
After signing with the Broncos, Manning helped them win the AFC West in four-straight seasons, reaching two Super Bowls. After winning Super Bowl 50, Manning retired during the 2016 offseason. He will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio next month.
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