[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4718-S4719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN ELWAY

 Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, on May 2, 1999, John Elway retired 
concluding one of the most remarkable sports careers ever. After 
sixteen National Football League seasons, exactly sixteen years to the 
day after he was traded to the Denver Broncos by the Baltimore Colts, 
the Magnificent Number 7 bid farewell to the team he has led to five 
Super Bowls and two consecutive world championships.
  John Elway has been among the most prolific quarterbacks ever. He is 
the all-time winningest quarterback with 148 wins as a starter. In 46 
of those wins Elway engineered game winning fourth quarter drives. He 
stands second in all-time passing yards and third all-time in touchdown 
passes. He has been elected to nine Pro Bowls, starting in eight of 
them. He is the only quarterback to ever throw for 3,000 yards and rush 
for 200 in 7 consecutive seasons. Elway started in a record 5 Super 
Bowls, and last year was elected MVP of the game. In addition to his 
peerless offensive

[[Page S4719]]

production John Elway has been the model of leadership and consistency 
both on and off the field.
  On the field Elway missed only 15 games in 16 years due to illness or 
injury. This toughness is amazing considering that in 256 career games 
he was sacked an NFL record 559 times. Former Broncos coach Dan Reeves 
says that it is Elway's mental toughness that has allowed this 
consistency. Current coach Mike Shanahan cites Elway's competitive 
hunger and his confidence. What is clear at the end of sixteen years is 
that Elway's combined physical gifts and the mettle of his character 
have made him an American icon.
  Off the field Elway has worked tirelessly for numerous Colorado 
charities, and his John Elway Foundation has generated more than a 
million dollars in contributions since its inception. The stability and 
commitment of the Elway Foundation insures that it will continue to 
make Colorado a better place for years to come.
  In an age when so many celebrities shrink under the intensity of the 
spotlight John Elway has carried himself with class and dignity. It is 
hard to define what John Elway means to Colorado, but it is clear to me 
that he is more than just a football player. He is more than just a 
superstar. He is a figure that stands for something good, something 
strong and dedicated. John Elway is the athlete you don't mind being a 
role model. It makes you feel good to see his jersey on a kid playing 
in the park. I believe that says far more than any statistic.
  I know that the people of Colorado join me in wishing John Elway and 
his family the very best.

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