From the archive: John Elway's top moments from his playing career
Relive John Elway's playing career with photos from his top moments, from the trade in 1983 to his many fourth-quarter comebacks, to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and more.
On May 2, 1983, the Broncos completed a franchise-altering trade to acquire first-overall pick John Elway from the Baltimore Colts. The move would forever reshape the franchise's trajectory. (AP Photo)
Trailing 19-0 entering the fourth quarter on the road in his rookie season, John Elway completed his first of more than three dozen fourth-quarter comebacks with three passing touchdowns in the final frame to lead Denver to a much-needed win to help secure a playoff spot.
John Elway's legend grew in particular because of his ability to lead the Broncos to remarkable comebacks in particularly bleak circumstances. In 1985 alone, he helped the Broncos to six fourth-quarter backs with six game-winning drives, according to Pro Football Reference. In the game pictured, Elway threw for 432 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos scored 17 fourth-quarter points to upend the Seahawks in Seattle's Kingdome. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway prepares to send the ball downfield en route to a 23-20 overtime victory Jan. 12, 1987 in the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland. Elway's performance in leading Denver on a 98-yard game-tying possession known as "The Drive" in the final minutes would cement his status as a star, and the Broncos would go on to win the game in overtime to send them to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) rolls right as he looks to pass during the 1987 NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Feb. 1, 1987 in Honolulu. This was John Elway's first of nine Pro Bowl selections. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
During the 1987 season, John Elway earned league MVP honors and led the Broncos to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive season. It was the first time a Broncos player had ever earned MVP honors. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
For the third time in four seasons, John Elway and the Broncos defeated the Browns to earn a trip to the Super Bowl. This time, Elway was impeccable with 385 passing yards, 39 rushing yards and three passing touchdowns. (AP Photos/Ed Andrieski)
Almost five years after "The Drive," John Elway and the Broncos provided an encore performance in the 1991 AFC Divisional Round against the Houston Oilers on Jan.4, 1992. Down one point with 2:07 left in the fourth quarter, the Broncos again started their last-gasp drive at their own 2-yard line, but this time with no timeouts. Again, Elway and Denver delivered, reaching the Houston 11-yard line with just 22 seconds remaining, setting up David Treadwell's game-winning 28-yard field goal. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
John Elway passes against the Kansas City Chiefs during a game on October 4, 1992. Elway produced one of his finer fourth-quarter comebacks in this game, as he threw for two touchdowns in the final two minutes to top their division rivals.
John Elway is spun around 180 degrees on a crucial third-and-six scramble that would be known as "The Helicopter" in the third quarter. The play would prove pivotal as it gave the Broncos momentum and showed Elway's desire to risk everything for the win in Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
John Elway basks in the moment after the Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII — his first Super Bowl win after the team fell in his first three.
John Elway raises the ball with which he surpassed 50,000 career passing yards against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998. He was just the second ever player to reach that mark.
John Elway congratulates Shannon Sharpe after a touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1998. During the game, Elway threw his 300th career passing touchdown, becoming just the third player ever to reach that mark.
John Elway blows a kiss to the fans in the south stands after his last game at Mile High Stadium on January 17, 1999. The Broncos topped the Jets to return to the Super Bowl, Elway's fifth and final appearance in the title game.
John Elway walks off the field during Super Bowl XXXIII in what was his last game in an illustrious career against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999. He earned Super Bowl MVP honors with 336 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway gives a final Mile High Salute after speaking at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sunday, Aug. 8 , 2004, in Canton, Ohio. Elway, Barry Sanders, Bob Brown and Carl Eller were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday as the Class of 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
