The Great Elway Escape: How a Baseball Bum Became a Bronco Legend
John Elway. The name itself conjures up images of grit, determination, and a whole lot of comebacks. But before he was leading the Denver Broncos to glory, young John was facing a different kind of pitch: a curveball from fate itself. Buckle up, Broncos fans (and everyone else!), because we're about to dissect the hilarious happenstance that landed Elway in Denver.
Baltimore's Blunder: Drafting a Baseball Star...for Football?
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Let's be honest, folks. The Baltimore Colts in 1983 weren't exactly known for their stellar decision-making. They had their sights set on a strapping young athlete, but there was a slight hitch: John Elway was much more interested in cracking dingers than catching touchdowns. Elway, a talented baseball player with a mean swing, had already been drafted by the New York Yankees. Boldly declaring his desire to play baseball, Elway made it very clear he wasn't thrilled about becoming a Colt.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
The Trade Caper: A Plane, a Deal, and a New Home
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Undeterred (or perhaps a little tone-deaf), Baltimore went ahead and drafted Elway with the first overall pick. Enter the Denver Broncos, circling like a vulture spotting a weak gazelle (or maybe a quarterback-hungry team sniffing out a disgruntled prospect). Negotiations were swift, whispers turned into shouts, and before you could say "Mile High Miracle," Elway was headed to the Rockies. The price? A decent offensive lineman, a backup QB nobody knew, and a future draft pick – a steal in hindsight!
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
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From Baseball Benchwarmer to Bronco Hero: A Match Made in Mile High
Elway arrived in Denver like a conquering hero. Local newspapers ran a section called "The Elway Watch," documenting his every move. It was a perfect fit. Elway's talent was undeniable, his competitive spirit infectious, and Denver finally had the quarterback they'd been longing for. The rest, as they say, is history. Super Bowl wins, epic comebacks, and a legacy that will forever be etched in Broncos lore.
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| How Did John Elway End Up In Denver |
How to FAQs:
- How to convince a baseball player to become a football star? This one's tricky. Maybe offer him a lifetime supply of Rocky Mountain oysters (Denver delicacy, not recommended for the faint of stomach).
- How to trade for a future Hall of Famer? Start by accidentally drafting him when he doesn't want to play for you. Then, be prepared to accept a slightly used offensive lineman and a bag of peanuts.
- How to become a legend in Denver? Win a few Super Bowls. Lead epic comebacks. Look good in orange.
- How to avoid becoming the Baltimore Colts of the 1980s? Don't draft baseball players for football, for starters.
- How to ensure John Elway becomes a Bronco? Travel back in time and invent a time machine. (This is purely hypothetical, of course. Time travel is probably not a thing.)
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