John Elway Comments on Pat Bowlen, Broncos After Super Bowl 50 Win

The Denver Broncos defense stifled quarterback Cam Newton and the high-flying Carolina Panthers on Sunday during their 24-10 Super Bowl 50 victory. While the players understandably received much of the attention, executive vice president of football operations John Elway helped build the championship roster and was given a chance to speak following the triumph.

The Broncos noted on Twitter the former quarterback said, “This one’s for Pat!”

The NFL shared the moment from the broadcast in the video below:  

Elway’s comments were in homage to team owner Pat Bowlen’s proclamation that “this one’s for John” when the Broncos won Super Bowl XXXII over the Green Bay Packers. Irv Moss of the Denver Post reflected on that game, which was the Broncos’ first Super Bowl title after losing their previous four tries.

Elway, who eventually won two rings as a quarterback for Denver, was the star signal-caller for three of those early failures, so Bowlen recognized his efforts for the franchise as it celebrated that first win.

Elway likely understood how Peyton Manning felt following Sunday’s win. While both are marquee names and some of the best quarterbacks ever, neither was the primary force behind his team’s victory.

Manning only threw for 141 yards Sunday and didn’t register a single touchdown. He also threw a pick and lost a fumble, but the Denver defense bailed him out by holding Newton to 18-of-41 passing with no touchdowns and a pick. The Broncos also held running back Jonathan Stewart to 29 rushing yards.

The Denver general manager summed up his team's performance, saying, "You never knew how we were going to win it, but we found a way to win it," per the Broncos' Twitter.

As a player, Elway received plenty of help from running back Terrell Davis, who scored three times in Super Bowl XXXII. Elway only threw for 123 yards and didn’t score a touchdown, although Moss remembered one play in particular from No. 7:

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But his performance in San Diego will long be remembered for the ‘helicopter’ play. With the Broncos needing a first down late in the third quarter, Elway couldn't find an open receiver. He ran toward the goal line but was knocked parallel to the ground and spun in a circle when tackled.

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Elway added another accomplishment to his legendary resume Sunday. Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com noted that the former quarterback became the first person to win a ring as a player and general manager, although Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy won a title as a player for Washington.

Elway will now turn his attention to winning another ring in the future with the Broncos. Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com described how difficult that will be given the impending free agency decisions:

As can be seen, Elway will have his work cut out for him this offseason. Perhaps his most important decision will be on the future of Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. Miller was an absolute force Sunday, and the 26-year-old likely has plenty of productive seasons remaining in his career. He was one of the anchors of the NFL’s best defense and will command the front office’s attention all offseason.

The future of the quarterback position is also important. The 39-year-old Manning could retire, but it could create an awkward situation if he elected to return and Brock Osweiler, a free agent in 2016, also stayed in Denver. Osweiler filled in for the injured Manning at times this season and is only 25 years old with a bright future, but Manning is a living legend.

Denver may have to pick one to take the reins in 2016, which means Elway better enjoy Sunday’s victory. The daily grind of the NFL offseason is waiting for him.