[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S58-S59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 167--RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT OF JOHN
ELWAY IN THE VICTORY OF THE DENVER BRONCOS IN SUPER BOWL XXXII
Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself and Mr. Allard) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to.
S. Res. 167
Whereas since becoming quarterback for the Denver Broncos
in 1983, John Elway has been involved in some of the most
striking comeback victories in the history of the National
Football League (referred to in this resolution as the
``NFL'');
Whereas John Elway has been a Pro Bowl quarterback, was
named NFL Most Valuable Player in 1987 and the American
Football Conference's Most Valuable Player in 1993, holds
numerous NFL passing records, and is the all-time winningest
quarterback in the history of the NFL;
Whereas John Elway's leadership, dedication, and
perseverance symbolizes excellence in these qualities for the
entire Nation and represents these qualities for America to
the world; and
Whereas John Elway, an exceptional athlete, has sustained a
high level of personal competitiveness and has finally led
his team to the honor of a Super Bowl championship: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the outstanding achievement of the Denver
Broncos' quarterback, John Elway; and
(2) congratulates John Elway as the winning quarterback
of Super Bowl XXXII.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, tonight the President of the United
States will outline some important issues for our consideration during
the second half of this Congress, and, as I have sat here for the last
40 minutes listening to some of my colleagues, they have spoken with
great emphasis on the importance of the points on which they are going
to agree and disagree with him. But today I rise, with my friend
Senator Allard, to submit two resolutions that are on a happier note.
These resolutions are to honor the outstanding achievement of the
Denver Broncos in their winning of Super Bowl XXXII.
The first resolution recognizes the entire Broncos organization and
the other honors John Elway, the team's veteran leader, who happens to
be a personal friend of both Senator Allard and myself. For the first
time in 13 years, an AFC team has won the Super Bowl, and it is only
the second time a wild-card team has won since 1980. Indeed, they were
the underdog in the betting from Las Vegas to Atlantic City and all
points in between.
As those football fans among us might know, the Broncos have glimpsed
victory on four prior occasions, but had victory elude them each time.
All of that changed this past Sunday. With an inspiring team effort,
they beat the odds and the legendary Green Bay Packers, a team as
talented and formidable as any of the championship Packer teams before
it.
So sure were some people that the Broncos would lose, one electric
appliance merchant in Farmington, NM, and Durango, CO, offered
unlimited free appliances to customers on the day before the game if
the Broncos won. Under the agreement, the customers would have only had
to pay if the Broncos lost. Lucky for him, he had the foresight to take
out a $300,000 insurance policy, which barely covered his losses to
jubilant customers as the unexpected happened and they showed up
yesterday at both of his stores to collect on their free appliances.
In a brilliant athletic and strategic contest, both the Denver
Broncos and the Green Bay Packers reflected qualities that we all value
and admire: hard work, teamwork, preparation, dedication, and
sportsmanship above all things. For that, and a beautiful display of
terrific physical talent, both teams must be commended and applauded.
I want to highlight the Denver team, of course, because I am from
Colorado and because they displayed a resilience and perseverance in
overcoming four previous Super Bowl losses, qualities which any one of
us must cheer who, in
[[Page S59]]
any type of endeavor, has ever tried and failed.
The Denver team succeeded with the leadership of John Elway, the MVP
performance of Terrell Davis, a skilled offensive line that proved
confidence and heart can compete with size, and a defense that proved
as strong as it was fearless against a formidable offense.
Our second resolution specifically honors John Elway for his
outstanding accomplishment in leading the Broncos to its fourth Super
Bowl appearance and its first Super Bowl victory. In bringing his team
a national championship, Mr. Elway has given us lessons in the game of
football for years to come, and Sunday he gave us a new lesson in
perseverance, dedication and true sportsmanship. He is certainly a
hero.
Mr. ALLARD. I thank the senior Senator from Colorado for yielding.
Mr. President, as a fifth generation Coloradan who has rooted for the
Broncos since they were first organized in the early 1960's, I want to
give my Mile High Salute! A Super Bowl victory has been a long time
coming for Broncos fans. Broncos fans have searched for an identity
theme from ``Orange Crush'' in honor of one of their best defensive
teams to ``the Mile High Salute.'' Many of the themes were lost in time
through legal hassles or disappointing seasons. But ``the Mile High
Salute'' is here to stay, etched in history with a Super Bowl Victory!
Rules limiting the celebration of success on the football field have
made it difficult for players and coaches to express their emotions.
``The Mile High Salute'' has become the Broncos symbol of success on
the field. I do not believe there is a more honorable and appropriate
way of celebrating in the game of football. The salute is honorable.
Denver is the Mile High City. The Mile High Salute has come to mean
more than success and honor with the Super Bowl Victory. It has come to
mean dedication, hard work, exceeding peoples' expectations, team work
and unity, and giving the spirit of competition its just reward. It is
in this context that I give my Mile High Salute.
I want to salute the Green Bay Packers organization. They are a great
organization and Wisconsin can be proud of them. They made this Super
Bowl one of the best ever. They have a legacy in football that is
honored throughout America. I know both my colleagues in the Senate
from Wisconsin are avid supporters.
My good friend Congressman Scott Klug, who I joined in the U.S. House
of Representatives in 1991, got carried away with his enthusiasm for
his Green Bay Packers and placed a wager with me. Instead of me
providing him with Colorado beef he has the honor of bestowing on me
some great Wisconsin cheese. Scott is retiring and I will miss him in
the Congress because he has done such a great job in bringing about
true reform. America is better because of his leadership in the U.S.
House of Representatives.
I extend a Mile High Salute to the offensive and defensive Broncos
linemen. They truly exemplify the team spirit and exceeded expectations
with the smallest line in the National Football League. Known as the
``Orange Hush,'' these are men that have an oath of silence, who
routinely arrive an hour early for morning meetings so they can watch
extra videotape together, who eat meals together, who dress together in
the same locker room area, who study the Bible together, and who, most
importantly, show up on game day together.
An obvious Mile High Salute goes to both quarterback John Elway and
running back Terrell Davis. They recognized that they didn't do it
alone even though they have become heroes of the game.
John Elway is topping off his marvelous career with a Super Bowl win!
Many top NFL quarterbacks never have the opportunity to claim a Super
Bowl victory. He will eventually be in the Football Hall of Fame. I
know him personally and cannot think of anyone more deserving of such
an honor. He is supported by a wonderful wife Janet and family.
Fifteen years ago few people in the Denver community could have
guessed the impact this young quarterback from Stanford would have on
the State of Colorado. Today, John Elway reigns as the king of the
comeback and the winningest quarterback in NFL history. He is one of
the most recognized figures in American sports. Aside from his
considerable athletic accomplishments, Elway has proven himself
time and again to be the heart and soul of his team. As important as
Elway's role is in Colorado sports, he plays a greater role in the
community. Over the years he has worked tirelessly for the charities of
Colorado, and the Elway Foundation is responsible for hundreds of
thousands of dollars in donations. I think that in the hearts and minds
of all Broncos fans this one is indeed for John.
Terrell Davis returned to the San Diego area and his high school alma
mater to demonstrate the can do attitude. I personally am amazed at his
courage, work ethic, and commitment to winning for the Broncos team.
His 157 yards rushing and record three touchdowns in a Super Bowl will
be remembered. But this was only the culmination of his best season
ever. Davis has grown from a 196th pick in 1995 draft to a Super Bowl
MVP and 1,750 yard rusher in 15 regular season games. Davis will long
be known by the nickname TD as he averaged one touchdown in every game
he played in the 1997-1998 season.
I salute the entire Broncos staff, owners, and coaches. Mike Shanahan
has done a great job and certainly is deserving of the honor as a
winning Super Bowl coach. Coach Shanahan and his staff have done an
incredible job of taking what was a 7-9 team in 1994 to a 12-4 team
with the heart to persevere through one of the most difficult roads to
the Super Bowl with victories in Kansas City and Pittsburgh. The team
statistics speak for themselves, the Broncos offense was ranked number
one in the League with 367 yards per game and the defense was the top
rated unit in the AFC only allowing 292 yards per game. I congratulate
Pat Bowlen because I know that good leadership starts at the top.
I want to recognize the general manager of the Broncos. John Beake is
a good friend and has a great family. He does a great job of
representing the Broncos organization. Both he and his wife Marcia need
to be recognized for their fight to eliminate drug abuse. Just another
example of how the Broncos organization has reached out into the
community.
I give a Mile High Salute to the fans of the Broncos. They are the
best. Many, like my wife Joan, were attending Bronco games when they
were playing at the old University of Denver football stadium and wore
vertically striped socks. Their enthusiasm has not waned over the
years.
It is an honor for me to represent everyone in Colorado in the U.S.
Senate. It is especially exciting to be here while winning Super Bowl
XXXII. While I was interviewed last week about the President's
scandals. I stated a number of times that people in Colorado have their
priorities straight. They want their Broncos to win the Super Bowl and
that's what they're talking about!
Joan and I only wish we could be in Colorado helping our friends and
neighbors in giving the Broncos and their fans a Mile High Salute.
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