In 2012, Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway became the first executive in the Super Bowl era to post consecutive four-win improvements and division titles in his first two years with a team.

It was enough to make him the runner up in Sporting News' Executive of the Year voting.

On Monday, the publication announced that in a close vote, Elway came in second for the award by just one vote. Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson took home the honor for 2012 with nine votes.

Elway's banner year began in the offseason, when he helped bring four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning to Denver. In all, Elway secured -- via the draft, free agency or contract extensions -- 23 of the 33 players that started for the Broncos in 2012.

In addition, 15 of the team's 16 draft picks from Elway's first two seasons on the job are currently with the team in some capacity, along with four college free agents.

Sporting News polled more than 800 NFL players, coaches and executives for its 2012 awards. Only coaches and executives voted for the executive of the year award.

Below is a look at how the voting turned out.