A Chat with John Elway
Chuck Fasse
Tuesday May 27, 2003
He looks older than he did just two weeks prior. I’m willing to bet he’d kill for the chance to be outrunning crazed linebackers over being stuck in the Colorado Crush’s owners box watching his team go down in defeat -- again and again.
It is clear that this first year as an owner has aged Elway -- having to endure the 2-14 season and the numerous last-minute losses would age anyone -- much less the greatest comeback quarterback the National Football League has ever seen. But this is the Arena Football League, an entirely different game, and Elway is a rookie all over again.
 John Elway watches warmups Image courtesy of Ken LaRue |
Less than twenty-four hours after the Crush’s fourteenth loss of the season, John Elway strode to the podium at Crush headquarters and fired his entire coaching staff. A number of the coaches are Elway’s friends and acquaintances from when he played -- people he hand-picked to lead the Crush to glory.
"This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done," he said, just before dropping the axe.
It has been an enjoyable yet frustrating first season for Elway. Season tickets sold like 99-cent double cheeseburgers -- it seemed people just couldn’t get them quickly enough. The Colorado Crush set an AFL record for season ticket sales, selling over 10,000 seats in the first month. Attendance for the Crush has been phenomenal, especially considering they didn’t win a single home game. Yet each was a sell-out or near sell-out -- proving that Colorado loves the AFL and its unique brand of football.
Speaking with Elway, he pointed out that despite all that has occurred this season, his outlook towards the future of the Crush includes winning a championship.
“It’s been a good year,” said Elway. “Obviously we’re disappointed we didn’t win more football games, but with the attendance and everything else it’s been a great year. Considering we had to get a lot done in a short period of time, we’re happy with where we are. We have a good core group of guys and we’ll get them back next year, add to them, and hopefully start winning more football games... We’ll be ready to go.”
This is Elway’s rookie season as an owner of a professional sports franchise of any kind. Even though Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen is a Co-Owner of the Crush and even offered Elway a minority percentage of the Broncos after he retired (which he turned down), the Crush is clearly under Elway’s control and guidance.
“This is good experience, but I’m not doing this with the idea that I’m going to use it as a stepping stone to the NFL or anywhere else. I’m happy doing it here and I want to bring a championship back to Denver,” Elway said.
When speaking of the learning curve he’s had to endure as a new owner compared to his playing days, Elway was honest about the difficulties that he has endured.
“We’ve learned a lot... There’s a lot less control when you’re not touching the ball every down. That’s the frustrating thing. You have a lot more control outside the lines but none inside.”
In fact one of Elway`s acquaintances dropped by the Pepsi center to take in the game and talk about ownership possibilities. Musician/Actor Jon Bon Jovi just happened to be in town May 10th and stopped by to see his friend John Elway. He wasn`t afraid to ask Elway a few questions in regard to ownership of an Arena franchise.
“Jon [Bon Jovi]’s a big football fan and is looking at getting into the league,” said Elway. “He’s done his homework and he’s been to a couple games. I’ve spoken with him and he’s very knowledgeable. I hope it works out for him because it would be great to have him in the league. He would only add to the quality ownership.”
As the AFL continues to grow in size and exposure, Elway feels the potential for greatness for both the Crush and the league is definitely there.
"The league has come a long way. It keeps getting better and better each year... If it continues to grow like its growing, I’m glad to stay right here and be involved with the Crush for a long time."
Loveland, Colorado
Elway even spoke of the possibility of an af2 team in Loveland, Colorado (a town north of Denver) happening in the future. If a team were to play there, the Budweiser Event Center could fit.
"We have thought about it, but right now it’s on the back burner. We had so many things going on here, that thinking about an Arena 2 team we just didn’t have the time to do it. It all depends on the arena and where they put it. I think [Loveland] would be a good spot."
Chuck Fasse was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2003 season.
