John Elway Net Worth 2024: John Elway, a legendary NFL quarterback and executive, boasts a net worth of $145 million in 2024, amassed through his illustrious football career, business ventures, and front office roles with the Denver Broncos.
Key Takeaways
- John Elway’s estimated net worth is $145 million as of 2024.
- He earned $47 million in salary during his NFL career.
- Elway has had mixed success with business ventures outside of football.
- He missed out on a potential $900 million windfall by not buying a stake in the Broncos.
- Elway served as GM and president of football operations for the Broncos after retiring.
John Elway: A Football Legend’s Financial Journey
Early Life and Education
John Albert Elway Jr. was born on June 28, 1960, in Port Angeles, Washington. The son of a football coach, Elway showed athletic promise from a young age. He excelled in both football and baseball at Granada Hills High School in California before attending Stanford University on a football scholarship.
At Stanford, Elway continued to impress on the gridiron while also playing baseball. He graduated in 1983 with a degree in economics, setting himself up for future business endeavors.
NFL Career and Earnings
Drafted first overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983, Elway famously forced a trade to the Denver Broncos. This move set the stage for a legendary 16-year career with a single franchise.
During his time with the Broncos, Elway established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His on-field accomplishments include:
• 2 Super Bowl championships
• Super Bowl MVP (1999)
• 9 Pro Bowl selections
• NFL MVP (1987)
• 51,475 career passing yards
• 300 touchdown passes
Financially, Elway’s NFL career was also highly lucrative. He earned approximately $47 million in salary over 16 seasons. This doesn’t include additional income from endorsements, which likely added millions more to his earnings during his playing days.
Post-NFL Business Ventures
After retiring in 1999, Elway ventured into the business world with mixed results:
Car Dealerships: Elway’s most successful business endeavor has been in the automotive industry. He sold a group of dealerships to AutoNation in 1997 for $82.5 million. He later re-entered the car business and currently owns several dealerships in Colorado and California.
Restaurants: Elway operates four steakhouses under the “Elway’s” brand name in Colorado.
Arena Football: Elway was a co-owner of the Colorado Crush arena football team from 2002 until the league’s demise in 2008.
The $900 Million Missed Opportunity
One of the most significant financial stories surrounding Elway involves a decision he made near the end of his playing career. In the late 1990s, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen offered Elway the chance to purchase a 10% stake in the team for $15 million. The deal also included an option to buy another 10% by forgoing $21 million in salary.
Elway declined the offer. When the Broncos sold for $4.65 billion in 2022, that 20% stake would have been worth approximately $930 million. This represents one of the largest missed financial opportunities in sports history.
Return to the Broncos
In 2011, Elway returned to the Broncos organization as Executive Vice President of Football Operations. He later added General Manager duties to his role. During his tenure, the team won Super Bowl 50 in 2016. Elway stepped down from his GM role in 2021 but remained with the organization in an advisory capacity until 2023.
His salary as an executive was reported to be around $3 million per year.
Current Net Worth and Assets
As of 2024, John Elway’s estimated net worth stands at $145 million. This wealth comes from various sources:
• NFL career earnings
• Business ventures (primarily car dealerships)
• Executive salary with the Broncos
• Endorsements and appearances
Elway owns multiple properties, including homes in Colorado and California. He’s known to have a passion for golf and likely maintains memberships at exclusive clubs.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Throughout his career and retirement, Elway has been involved in various charitable causes. He established the Elway Foundation in 1987 to assist in the prevention and treatment of child abuse.
Elway has been married twice and has four children from his first marriage. His personal life has generally remained out of the spotlight compared to his professional endeavors.
Legacy and Impact
John Elway’s financial journey mirrors his football career in many ways – filled with big wins, some setbacks, and an enduring impact. While his net worth is substantial, the missed opportunity with Broncos ownership serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the world of professional sports.
Elway’s post-playing career as an executive further cements his legacy with the Broncos organization. His ability to transition from star player to successful businessman and team executive is a path many athletes aspire to follow.
As John Elway continues to navigate his post-NFL life, his financial decisions and business ventures will likely remain a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike.
Latest News
The Masked Singer Appearance
On September 25, 2024, John Elway made headlines as he was unmasked as the Leaf Sheep contestant on the season 12 premiere of “The Masked Singer.” This appearance showcased a different side of the NFL legend:
Elway was the first contestant eliminated from the competition.
His performance and reveal generated significant buzz on social media and entertainment news outlets.
In post-show interviews, Elway displayed good humor about his brief stint on the show, expecting to receive “plenty of jabs” about his singing abilities from friends and former teammates.
The football icon addressed comparisons to Tom Brady, who was initially guessed by some of the show’s panelists. Elway diplomatically stated, “Everybody’s gonna have their opinion” when asked about Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg referring to Brady as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
This appearance on a popular mainstream entertainment show demonstrates Elway’s ongoing cultural relevance, even years after his retirement from professional football.
Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis
On September 25, 2024, John Elway commented on the recent announcement of Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Elway expressed his sympathy and support for his fellow NFL legend:
Elway called the news “sad” and acknowledged the impact of such a diagnosis on Favre and his family.
He praised Favre’s toughness and resilience, both as a player and in facing this health challenge.
Elway emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
The former Broncos quarterback highlighted the need for continued research and support for those affected by neurological conditions.
This response from Elway demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the NFL quarterback fraternity, even years after retirement.
Elway’s comments on Favre’s diagnosis showcase his ongoing connection to the NFL community and his willingness to speak on important issues affecting former players. It also highlights the growing awareness of long-term health concerns for retired football players, particularly regarding neurological conditions.
These recent news items, along with Elway’s continued business ventures and public appearances, illustrate his enduring relevance in both the sports world and popular culture. They also demonstrate his ability to address both light-hearted entertainment and serious health matters with equal grace, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in the NFL community.
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