The Horatio Alger Association will gain one of the greatest football players in NFL history to its membership in 2017. The group announced Tuesday that Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway is one of 11 honorees selected for membership in its 2017 class of Horatio Alger Award winners.

"Throughout his illustrious career, John has displayed great leadership and energy both on and off of the football field," said Byron Trott, president of the Horatio Alger Association and a 2011 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "John has remained steadfast in his desire to excel professionally and donate his time and talents to initiatives that make a real difference. My fellow Members and I are proud to welcome him into our organization, and we have no doubt that he will serve as a strong advocate for the Association and its important mission."

The Horatio Alger Association is a "nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education." The award is an honor bestowed upon annual classes of 10-12 people since the organization's inception in 1947. Recipients are honored for their devotion to higher education and charitable efforts in local communities and for their leadership in corporate and philanthropic efforts while succeeding in spite of challenges.

Elway and the other individuals in the Member Class of 2017 will be formally inducted over a three-day span from March 30 to April 1, 2017.