Legendary Super Bowl winner John Elway, boasting a net worth of $145 million, reportedly missed out on a potential $1 billion fortune from the Denver Broncos.
Unregretted, Yet Unimaginable Regrets
For some, life's worth nearly $150 million leaves little room for regret. Yet, you'd think differently if you left $955 million on the table, like John Elway.
On September 23, 1998, Elway encountered an offer that would set his family's future for generations. An offer he ultimately declined.
The Denver Broncos' owner at the time, Pat Bowlen, proposed to sell Elway the right to buy 10 percent of the Broncos for a mere $15 million. Bowlen also offered an additional 10 percent for abandoning the deferred salary he was owed, worth roughly $21 million.
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Twenty-six years later, the 20 percent stake Elway passed on, based on a 2024 Forbes valuation of the team at $5.5 billion, is now worth $1.1 billion. A staggering 1,831 percent return on the 1998 investment, adjusted for inflation, had he accepted.
Do you think the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback kicks himself on that one? Probably.
Elway's current net worth of $145 million pales in comparison to that potential fortune, but he took the investment route, partnering with Mitch Pierce. Together, they sank their money into a $150 million Ponzi scheme, losing more than $7 million.
John Elway, though known for a few financial blunders, seems to be managing just fine with his $145 million fortune. After leading the Broncos to two Lombardi Trophies and retiring at the end of the 1998 season, he returned to the organization in 2011 as general manager and executive vice president of football operations. He facilitated the signing of Peyton Manning in free agency in 2012, which led to two more Super Bowl appearances, culminating in winning Super Bowl 50.
Post-2020, Elway stepped down from his role as general manager but continued as president of football operations until early 2023.
Now, Elway can be found showcasing his golf skills in tournaments like the Alfred Dunhill Links Team Championship in St Andrews or on entertaining reality shows like The Masked Singer.
While he may not have that $1.1 billion, Elway's doing quite well for himself. However, tragedy struck when his long-time friend and agent, Jeff Sperbeck, passed away over the weekend after an unfortunate accident. Elway has issued a heart-wrenching statement to express his grief.
"I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck," Elway said in his statement.
"There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeff's wife, Cori; his children Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him.
Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship, and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others."
- In light of a potential $1.1 billion that John Elway passed on in 1998, it's probably that he regrets not accepting a proposed 20% stake in the Denver Broncos.
- The NFL, more specifically the Denver Broncos, has been a significant part of Elway's life, serving as both a player and a manager.
- MMA and golf became new avenues for Elway's interest after his retirement from American football, often showcasing his skills in prestigious events.
- In the Premier League, managers are equally important as players in achieving team success, demonstrating the competitive nature of sports management.
- Elway's salary in the NFL may have been substantial, but the staggering profit he could have made from the 1998 investment would certainly have affected his net worth.
- The NFL is filled with ongoing gossip, from draft strategies to player rumors, keeping fans engaged and competitive speculation high.
- Tragedy struck Elway's life again as his long-time friend and agent, Jeff Sperbeck, passed away recently in an unfortunate accident.
- Expression of sympathy is essential in sports, particularly in light of Jeff Sperbeck's passing, as the sports world comes together to mourn the loss of a beloved member of the community.
