Childhood and Education Journey of John Elway in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of John Elway. A timeline of key moments.

John Elway is a retired American football quarterback renowned for his 16-year career with the Denver Broncos. He led the Broncos to two Super Bowl victories as a player and later contributed to another Super Bowl win as an executive. Elway's impact on the Broncos franchise is significant, holding various front office positions, including general manager. He is one of only two individuals to be associated with all three of the Broncos' Super Bowl wins.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 28, 1960: John Elway Born

On June 28, 1960, John Albert Elway Jr. was born. He later became a professional football quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Others born on this day/year

February 1976: Jack Elway Joins Idaho

In February 1976, Jack Elway joined the staff at Palouse neighbor Idaho.

1978: Father Becomes Head Coach

Following the 1978 season, John Elway's father became the head coach at San Jose State.

1979: Enrolls at Stanford University

In 1979, John Elway enrolled at Stanford University to play football and baseball. Receivers began catching Elway's passes with their bodies instead of their hands, leaving a cross on their chests from the ball's seams.

1979: Selected in MLB Draft

In 1979, John Elway was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

1981: Fine Season at Stanford

In 1981, John Elway ranked 7th in the NCAA with 20 touchdown passes while at Stanford, but the team finished with a 4-7 record.

1981: Drafted by the New York Yankees

In 1981, John Elway was selected by the New York Yankees in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft.

1982: "The Play" Controversy

In 1982, during The Big Game, Stanford lost to Cal due to "The Play", a controversial play involving multiple laterals. John Elway stated that officials "ruined my last game as a college football player."

1982: Plays for Oneonta Yankees

In the summer of 1982, John Elway played for the Yankees' short season affiliate, the Oneonta Yankees.

1984: Marriage to Janet Buchan

In 1984, John Elway married Janet Buchan, who attended Stanford University and competed on its swimming team.

1984: Trade to Denver Broncos

In 1984, John Elway was traded to the Denver Broncos for Chris Hinton, Mark Herrmann, and a first-round pick in the 1984 draft.

1985: Projected Yankees starter

By 1985, the Yankees owner George Steinbrenner reportedly planned to make John Elway the Yankees' starting right fielder.

1997: Sells Auto Dealerships to AutoNation Inc.

In 1997, John Elway sold his five auto dealerships, called John Elway Autos, to AutoNation Inc. for $82.5 million.

2002: Separation from Janet Buchan

In 2002, John Elway and Janet Buchan separated.

2002: Death of Twin Sister, Jana

In the summer of 2002, John Elway's twin sister, Jana, died of lung cancer at the age of 42.

2003: Divorce from Janet Buchan

In 2003, John Elway and Janet Buchan divorced.

2004: Diagnosis of Dupuytren's Contracture

In 2004, John Elway was diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture and became part of a national awareness campaign about the condition.

2005: Met Paige Green

In 2005, John Elway met Paige Green at a celebrity golf tournament held by Marcus Allen in Los Angeles.

December 2006: End of Licensing Agreement with AutoNation

In December 2006, John Elway ended a nine-year licensing agreement with AutoNation, removing his name from Denver-area dealerships.

September 2008: Engagement to Paige Green

In September 2008, John Elway and Paige Green were engaged in Italy.

September 2008: Spokesperson for OpenSports.com

In September 2008, John Elway became the spokesperson for OpenSports.com.

November 2008: Endorses Icon LASIK

In November 2008, John Elway had LASIK eye surgery and endorsed Icon LASIK in the Denver area.

August 2009: Marriage to Paige Green

In August 2009, John Elway married Paige Green.

2014: Acquires Cadillac Franchise

In 2014, John Elway acquired a Cadillac franchise from Sonic Automotive.

2024: Competed in The Masked Singer

In 2024, John Elway competed in season twelve of The Masked Singer as "Leaf Sheep". He was the first of Group A to be eliminated in the season premiere.