John Elway
Hall of Fame quarterbackElway trails only Dan Marino and Brett Favre in career passes attempted, completed and yards gained. But he’s perhaps best known for one number: 47. That’s how many times he led the Denver Broncos to game-winning or game-tying fourth-quarter scoring drives during his 16-year career. The most famous of those comebacks – a 98-yard drive against Cleveland in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 11, 1987 – is known simply as “The Drive.”
Now 10 years removed from the NFL, Elway has various business interests, including part ownership of the Colorado Crush, an Arena Football League team. These days he does most of his driving on the golf course. We asked him to tell us about the Mile High City.
Three favorite courses: 1. Cherry Hills – This is my home course, about a mile from my home. Nice layout and great group of pros there.
2. Cherry Creek CC – Always in great shape.
3. Castle Pines – Even though it’s pretty close to me, it feels like you’re removed from the city. I enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Best 19th hole: Elway’s Restaurant – It’s close to both of the Cherry courses and has a relaxed atmosphere with a big, open bar area. And it has a catchy name.
Best hotel in Denver: Since I don’t stay at many, I had to rely on my old friend Mike Aldrete, a former major league player and now a coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. He told me that the Ritz-Carlton rooms were the best he has ever stayed in. How do you argue with that?
Three favorite restaurants: 1. Pancake House – I like to start my day there. The name says it all.
2. Hacienda Colorado – Great family-style Mexican food. My kids love it.
3. Elway’s – I can always get a table and the steaks are the best in Colorado. Great dessert menu, too. I like that the entire staff always remembers my name.
Best nongolf attraction: I enjoy going to an Arena football game. Those Colorado Crush sure are fun to watch.
Three players to fill out your fantasy foursome:1. Tiger Woods – I played with him in 1998 after we won the Super Bowl. I think he beat me that time. But I’ve improved, and besides, I just got some new wedges. I think they could be the difference.
2. Pope Benedict – I need someone of the highest integrity to vouch for me when I beat Tiger.
3. Paige Greene (my girlfriend) – I know I can beat her at golf, and besides, I’ll want to celebrate afterward. We’ll probably grab a bite at Elway’s, then take in a Crush game.
Posted: 6/23/2008
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