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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —** The Denver Broncos, who signed John Elway to a new five-year contract this week, have promoted him to President of Football Operations/General Manager, Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis announced on Wednesday.
"We're football first here at the Broncos and obviously John is our leader of the team," Ellis said at the team's annual training camp Media BBQ. "I think he is definitely deserving of this title elevation. It's really a recognition that he deserves for all that he does and all that he has done for this team over the years since he arrived here in [1983]."
Elway, who is entering his seventh season as the team's lead football executive, has guided the Broncos to the second-most overall wins (73) in the NFL since 2011. The team also captured AFC West Division titles in five of the last six years while winning its third World Championship in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Supplementing the roster with key contributors throughout his tenure with the Broncos, Elway has signed or extended the contracts of 16 players who have combined for 32 Pro Bowl selections with the team. He is the only NFL general manager in the last six years to sign future Pro Bowlers through the draft, college free agency, street free agency and unrestricted free agency.
Elway, who was hired by Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen to lead the team's football operations on Jan. 5, 2011, is currently signed through the 2021 season.