In a candid revelation, Denver Broncos legend John Elway admitted that bypassing quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft was the most significant blunder of his tenure as the franchise’s general manager.
Elway, an iconic figure in Broncos history, recounted the moment of realization during a recent appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast.
“Last year I played golf with him, and I was thinking, ‘How long until he brings up the fact that I passed on him for Bradley Chubb?’ It took him two and a half holes,” Elway recalled with a touch of humor.
Despite his admiration for Allen, Elway chose to draft Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from North Carolina State, with the fifth overall pick, overlooking the University of Wyoming’s standout quarterback who was playing just a state away.
“I loved him, but it just didn’t work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake as a GM, not taking Josh,” Elway admitted.
At the time, Elway had also recently signed veteran quarterback Case Keenum, effectively choosing Keenum over the promising Allen.
Injuries hampered Chubb’s potential, while Allen’s career has skyrocketed.
Allen, now regarded as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks, often draws comparisons to Elway himself due to his athletic ability, powerful arm, and formidable build.
Allen’s success with the Buffalo Bills, who are ecstatic with their decision to draft him, only underscores Elway’s regret.
Elway’s legacy as a player is cemented with back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s and another one while serving as Denver’s general manager in his post-playing days.
Yet, his overall tenure as a GM is now marked by the decision to pass on Allen, a player many see as a modern embodiment of Elway’s own talents.
In retrospect, Elway is not alone in lamenting the missed opportunity, as several teams passed on Allen in that first round.
However, the sting remains sharper for the Broncos faithful, knowing what could have been with Allen leading the team.
What do you make of Elway’s overall legacy? … How much better would it be if he had been the man who brought Allen to Denver???