John Elway, Denver Broncos general manager, is working on a new deal with the organization that could make him the highest paid GM in the NFL.

John Elway: The NFL’s Highest-Paid General Manager**

**Introduction**

John Elway’s journey from a Hall of Fame quarterback to an NFL executive is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. As the general manager of the Denver Broncos, Elway’s strategic decisions have significantly influenced the team’s success. His reported earnings, particularly a five-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid general manager in the NFL, reflect his value to the franchise and the league.

**Early Career and Transition to Executive Role**

After retiring from a stellar playing career, Elway transitioned to the Broncos’ front office in 2011. His leadership quickly turned the team into a Super Bowl contender, culminating in a championship victory in 2015. This success laid the groundwork for his future as an executive.

**Becoming the Highest-Paid GM**

In 2017, Elway signed a five-year extension with the Broncos, reportedly worth $30–$35 million, making him the highest-paid general manager in the NFL at that time citeturn0search2. This contract recognized his pivotal role in the team’s achievements, including multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl win.

**Elway’s Executive Achievements**

Elway’s tenure as GM was marked by several key accomplishments:

– **Peyton Manning Acquisition**: Securing Manning in 2012 was a game-changer, leading to consistent playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title.
– **Defensive Strengthening**: Signing free agents like DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and T.J. Ward bolstered the Broncos’ defense, contributing to their Super Bowl 50 victory.
– **Draft Success**: Elway’s draft picks, such as Von Miller, became cornerstone players for the team.

**Shift to Consultant Role**

In 2022, Elway stepped down from his general manager position but remained involved with the Broncos as a consultant. This move allowed him to continue influencing the team’s direction while enabling new leadership to take charge citeturn0search3.

John Elway’s potential to become the highest-paid General Manager in the NFL depends on various factors, including his experience, team success and market size.

Current NFL GM Salary Range
– Average salary: $3-5 million per year
– Top GMs: $7.5 million or more annually
– Highest-paid GMs:
– *Jerry Jones*: potentially the highest-paid GM due to his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys
– *Other notable GMs*:
– *John Schneider*: Seattle Seahawks
– *Joe Schoen*: New York Giants
– *Les Snead*: Los Angeles Rams
– *John Elway*: Denver Broncos

Factors Influencing GM Salaries
– Experience: years of service in the NFL
– Winning records and championships: successful teams command higher salaries
– Market size: big-market teams tend to pay more

John Elway’s Current Situation
As the Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager of the Denver Broncos, John Elway’s salary is reportedly around $3 million. To become the highest-paid GM, he’d need a significant contract bump, likely tied to team performance and valuation ¹ ².

John Elway: From NFL Legend to Highest-Paid General Manager**

**Introduction**

John Elway’s journey from a Hall of Fame quarterback to a prominent NFL executive is a testament to his football acumen and leadership. After leading the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl victories as a player, Elway transitioned into the team’s front office, where his strategic decisions have significantly impacted the franchise’s success. This article delves into Elway’s evolution into the NFL’s highest-paid general manager, examining his career milestones, financial achievements, and the lasting legacy he has built within the league.

**Early Life and NFL Career**

Born on June 28, 1960, in Port Angeles, Washington, John Elway displayed athletic prowess from a young age. He attended Stanford University, where he played college football before being selected by the Baltimore Colts as the first overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. Elway’s career took a pivotal turn when he was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he would spend his entire 16-season playing career.

During his tenure with the Broncos, Elway became synonymous with clutch performances and resilience. He led the team to five Super Bowl appearances, securing victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. His leadership on the field earned him the NFL MVP award in 1987 and 1993, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats.

**Transition to Executive Role**

Upon retiring from playing in 1999, Elway remained involved with the Broncos organization, initially serving in various advisory roles. In 2011, he was appointed as the team’s executive vice president of football operations, effectively taking on the role of general manager. This move marked the beginning of his executive career, where his decisions would shape the future of the franchise.

**Becoming the Highest-Paid GM**

Elway’s impact was immediate. Under his leadership, the Broncos secured the services of quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012, a move that propelled the team to Super Bowl 50 and culminated in a championship victory. Recognizing his contributions, the Broncos rewarded Elway with a lucrative contract extension in 2017.

Reports indicated that Elway’s new deal was worth $30–35 million over five years, making him the highest-paid general manager in the NFL at the time citeturn0search2. This contract extension underscored the Broncos’ commitment to retaining Elway’s expertise and leadership within the organization.

**Financial Ventures and Investments**

Beyond his role with the Broncos, Elway has engaged in various business ventures. Notably, in 1998, he was offered the opportunity to purchase a 20% stake in the Broncos for $15 million, a deal that would have included the forgoing of $21 million in deferred salary. Had he accepted, that stake would have been worth approximately $1.1 billion today, based on the franchise’s current valuation of $5.5 billion citeturn0news12.

However, Elway declined the offer and instead invested the money with business partner Mitch Pierce in a company that turned out to be a $150 million Ponzi scheme, resulting in a $7 million loss. Despite this setback, Elway’s net worth remains substantial, estimated at $145 million citeturn0news12.

**Legacy and Impact**

Elway’s tenure as the Broncos’ general manager is marked by significant achievements. Under his guidance, the team secured five AFC West titles and made multiple playoff appearances. His strategic acquisitions, including the signing of key free agents and successful draft picks, have been instrumental in maintaining the Broncos’ competitive edge.

In 2023, Elway’s consulting contract with the Broncos expired, and the team chose not to renew it citeturn0search1. Nevertheless, his influence on the franchise endures, with his legacy continuing to shape the team’s operations and culture.

**Conclusion**

John Elway’s ascent to becoming the NFL’s highest-paid general manager reflects his exceptional contributions to the sport, both on and off the field. From his legendary playing career to his strategic leadership in the front office, Elway has left an indelible mark on the Denver Broncos and the NFL as a whole. As the league continues to evolve, Elway’s legacy serves as a benchmark for excellence in football management.

John Elway’s legacy as a player and executive is unparalleled. His strategic vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the NFL, exemplified by his record-setting contract and the Broncos’ sustained success during his tenure.