Elway all but announces retirement

For years, the Denver Broncos’ offense consisted of John Elway and 10 other guys.

Gradually, the Broncos became more than a showcase for one dazzling quarterback. But now, with Elway’s retirement set, the Super Bowl champions enter uncharted terrain.

After 16 seasons, the unparalleled master of the two-minute drill is leaving football.

Elway all but announced his retirement Saturday in an interview with Denver TV stationKCNC in Pebble Beach, Calif., where he was playing in a golf tournament.

“For so many years everything in my family has revolved around me. It’s time for that to change,” the 38-year-old quarterback said. “I really accomplished everything I wanted to. There’s no real upside to coming back.”

Later in the day, Elway told The Associated Press: “I know everybody wants to know, but I’m not going to talk about it right now. There’ll be an announcement next week. That’s all I have to say about it for now.”

Sources close to Elway, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he has told friends he is leaving the game.

Elway reportedly considered announcing his decision two weeks ago, but owner Pat Bowlen was in Australia promoting the Broncos’ preseason game there. Then last week, the announcement was further delayed because of the school shootings in suburban Littleton.

Elway’s announcement could come as early as Monday. But Broncos are leaning toward a delay of several more days because of the outpouring of grief over the killings. Funerals for several victims are scheduled for Monday.

“I’ve talked to him and he told me what he’s going to do,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “But I’m not going to comment. I’m going to let John make his announcement.”

Bowlen, while declining to confirm Elway’s plans, said at a charity event Saturday night: “I’ve known this was coming for a long time.”

Bowlen bought the Bronocs in 1984 and never has known a team without Elway.

“I think it’s going to be odd for all of us,” he said.

Running back Terrell Davis told the Denver Post: “This really lets some air out of your system. It’s going to be tough to come back and not see him in the huddle. …

“I really think this year we’re going to face as much adversity as we’ve ever faced. We’re really going to see how much resolve this team has now.”

But offensive guard Mark Schlereth took another view.

“I think in the early years, it was a one-man show with John here,” Schlereth said. “It’s not like that anymore.”

In fact, Elway acknowledged several seasons ago that it wasn’t his team anymore.

“It’s Terrell’s team now,” he said.

While Elway earned his second straight Super Bowl title and the game’s MVP honor last January with a 34-19 win over Atlanta, he missed all or part of six games with hamstring, back and rib injuries.

Instead, it was Davis, a 2,008-yard rusher and winner of the league’s MVP award, who carried the team.

With Elway gone, Bubby Brister steps in. Brister slipped seamlessly into the lineup last season and guided the Broncos to a 4-0 record while Elway was out. But how will he hold up during a 16-game schedule? And will Brister at QB put more pressure on Davis?

Even Shanahan has some qualms about his new quarterback.

Brister, who turns 37 in August, hasn’t started more than eight games in a season since 1990. The backup is Brian Griese, a third-round draft choice in 1998 with limited experience.

So, the Denver Rocky Mountain News reported, the Broncos agreed to sign Chris Miller, who turns 34 in August and retired four years ago because of concussions.

“It’s a great addition,” Brister said. “If something happens, he has a lot of experience. You can’t have enough good quarterbacks.”

Brister is looking forward to taking over an offense that tight end Shannon Sharpe likened to a Ferrari.

“I just want to get in there and run the best machine in the business,” he said. “I’m not stupid. I know I’m not in this alone. Wehave Terrell Davis and Shannon Sharpe and great receivers and a great line. We have so much to work with.” Assoicated Press