Few people know the Denver Broncos quite like Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. Athlon Sports had a chance to talk with Elway about his career, current NFL quarterbacks and experience overcoming the hand condition known as Dupuytren's contracture.
Current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson's time with the Broncos did not go the way either party had hoped. Denver released Wilson during the 2024 offseason despite the quarterback's five-year, $242 million contract that was slated to run through the 2028 season.
Wilson spent just two seasons with the Broncos before being released. Elway admitted that Wilson's fit within Broncos head coach Sean Payton's system was less than ideal.
"There was a coaching change and I think there's a lot of different moving parts there," Elway told Athlon Sports in an exclusive interview. "And so, I go back and I think the important thing for a quarterback is to have a system that takes advantage of what he does best.
"I'm not so sure that was the situation in Denver for Russell. Obviously, you're seeing it in Pittsburgh where it's a lot like the same system Russell was in with Seattle," Elway added.
"And the fact that they play great defense. They want to run the football, and Russell's so good with the deep ball and throwing the ball downfield "
In the end, it worked out for both parties as Wilson has found a much better fit with the Steelers. The Broncos appear to have their quarterback of the future in rookie Bo Nix.
Elway's days as an NFL executive and player have come to a close, but the legendary quarterback remains busy with other passions. The two-time Super Bowl champ is helping fans learn more about Dupuytren's contracture.
Elway started battling the hand condition after his playing days concluded. The quarterback did not want to have another surgery and is an advocate for the FDA-approved Xiaflex as treatment option.
"As a football player, I had enough surgeries that non-surgical options are the way to go," Elway explained. "We're just encouraging people that if they are experiencing these conditions that they find a hand specialist."
