John Elway’s Wife and Biography

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Written By Callista

John Elway, the guy who could thread a football through the eye of a needle, has a life story that’s just as exciting off the field as it was on it. From his college days to becoming a Denver Broncos legend, Elway’s journey is the stuff of football dreams. But here’s the kicker – behind this gridiron hero are two remarkable women who’ve shaped his world. Let’s dive into Elway’s playbook of life, where touchdowns meet touchstones, and see how this quarterback’s tale goes way beyond the end zone.

Now, when it comes to John Elway’s wife, we’re talking about Paige Green – the second chapter in his love story. These two clicked at a golf tournament back in 2005, and it was game on from there. Paige, a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader (talk about a plot twist!), became Mrs. Elway in 2009. Their match-up has been a fan favorite, blending the grit of a Hall of Famer with the spark of a cheerleader. It’s like watching a perfectly executed play – Elway’s life on and off the field, a true American sports saga.

John Elway Biography/Wiki

AspectDetails
Full NameJohn Albert Elway Jr.
BornJune 28, 1960 (age 64 years)
NFL Career1983-1998 (Denver Broncos)
Super Bowl Wins2 (XXXII, XXXIII)
Hall of Fame Induction2004
First WifeJanet Buchan (m. 1984–2003)
Marriage to Janet1984-2003
Children with Janet4 (Jessica, Jordan, Jack, Juliana)
Current WifePaige Green (m. 2009)
Meeting Paige2005 at Marcus Allen’s golf tournament
Marriage to PaigeAugust 29, 2009
Children with PaigeNone
Paige’s BackgroundFormer Oakland Raiders cheerleader
Net WorthEstimated $145 million
ParentsJohn Albert Elway Sr, Janet Elway
Height1.91 m

John Elway’s Current Marriage Status

QuestionAnswer
Is John Elway married?Yes
Who is John Elway married to now?Paige Green
When did they get married?August 2009
Where did they get married?Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Now, let’s dive into the fascinating life story of John Elway and explore his relationships, career, and lasting legacy.

Early Years and Rise to Fame

john elway

Childhood and Family Background

John Albert Elway Jr. was born on June 28, 1960, in Port Angeles, Washington. The son of a football coach, John Elway was destined for gridiron greatness from an early age. His father, Jack Elway, instilled in him a passion for the game and a deep understanding of football strategy.

Growing up, John Elway moved frequently due to his father’s coaching career. This nomadic lifestyle taught him adaptability and resilience, traits that would serve him well in his future as a professional athlete.

High School Football Stardom

By the time John Elway reached high school, his exceptional talent was already evident. At Granada Hills High School in Los Angeles, he excelled not only in football but also in baseball. His powerful arm and quick thinking on the field made him a standout quarterback, drawing the attention of college recruiters across the nation.

Stanford University Career Highlights

John Elway chose to attend Stanford University, where he would further hone his skills and cement his status as a football prodigy. During his time at Stanford, he achieved numerous accolades, including:

  • Pac-10 Player of the Year (1980, 1982)
  • Consensus All-American (1982)
  • Finished second in Heisman Trophy voting (1982)

His college career stats were nothing short of impressive:

StatisticNumber
Passing Yards9,349
Touchdown Passes77
Completion Percentage62.1%

These numbers set the stage for what would become one of the most storied careers in NFL history.

1983 NFL Draft Controversy

The 1983 NFL Draft is remembered as one of the most talent-rich in history, particularly for quarterbacks. John Elway was the consensus number one pick, but controversy arose when he was selected by the Baltimore Colts. Elway, who had leverage due to his baseball prowess, made it clear he did not want to play for the Colts organization.

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In a turn of events that would shape NFL history, the Colts traded Elway to the Denver Broncos. This move set the stage for a legendary career that would span 16 seasons and redefine the quarterback position.

NFL Career Milestones

Denver Broncos Era (1983-1998)

John Elway’s tenure with the Denver Broncos is the stuff of NFL legend. From his first snap to his final Super Bowl victory, Elway consistently demonstrated why he was considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Some of his most notable achievements during this period include:

  • 9 Pro Bowl selections
  • 1 NFL MVP award (1987)
  • 5 Super Bowl appearances
  • 2 Super Bowl victories (XXXII, XXXIII)

Super Bowl Victories and MVP Awards

After three heartbreaking Super Bowl losses in the 1980s, John Elway finally tasted championship success in the twilight of his career. In Super Bowl XXXII, he led the Broncos to a victory over the heavily favored Green Bay Packers, securing his first championship ring.

The following year, in what would be his final NFL game, Elway guided the Broncos to another Super Bowl victory, this time against the Atlanta Falcons. His performance in this game earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, a fitting capstone to an illustrious career.

Record-Breaking Performances

Throughout his career, John Elway set numerous NFL records, many of which stood for years after his retirement. Some of his most impressive records include:

  • Most wins by a starting quarterback at the time of his retirement (148)
  • Most Super Bowl starts for a quarterback (5)
  • Second-most passing yards in NFL history at the time of retirement (51,475)

Retirement and Legacy

John Elway announced his retirement from professional football on May 2, 1999. His decision to walk away from the game at the top of his form only added to his legendary status. The Broncos immediately retired his number 7 jersey, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, his first year of eligibility.

First Marriage: Janet Buchan

Meeting at Stanford

While John Elway’s on-field exploits at Stanford were garnering national attention, it was off the field where he met his first wife, Janet Buchan. Janet was a standout swimmer for the Cardinal, and the two quickly hit it off, bonding over their shared experiences as student-athletes.

Wedding and Early Years Together

John Elway and Janet Buchan tied the knot in 1984, shortly after Elway began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos. Their union represented a joining of two athletic powerhouses, and they quickly became one of Denver’s most prominent couples.

Raising Four Children

Together, John Elway and Janet had four children:

  1. Jessica (born 1985)
  2. Jordan (born 1986)
  3. Jack (born 1988)
  4. Juliana (born 1990)

Balancing the demands of an NFL career with family life was no small feat, but the Elways made it work for many years.

Supporting John’s Career

Throughout John Elway’s NFL career, Janet was a constant source of support. She managed the household and cared for their children while John focused on football. Her role in his success cannot be overstated, as she provided the stable home life that allowed Elway to excel on the field.

Divorce in 2003

Despite their seemingly picture-perfect life, John Elway and Janet’s marriage faced challenges. In 2003, after 19 years of marriage, the couple divorced. The split was amicable, with both parties prioritizing the well-being of their children.

Life After Football

Business Ventures

Following his retirement from the NFL, John Elway didn’t rest on his laurels. He dove headfirst into the business world, leveraging his name recognition and business acumen to pursue various ventures. Some of his notable business interests have included:

  • Co-ownership of Colorado Crush (Arena Football League team)
  • Ownership of several auto dealerships
  • Investments in restaurants and other businesses
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Return to Broncos as Executive

In 2011, John Elway returned to the Denver Broncos organization, this time in an executive role. As Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager, Elway has been instrumental in shaping the team’s roster and strategy. Under his leadership, the Broncos have continued to be a competitive force in the NFL.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

In 2004, John Elway received the ultimate recognition for his contributions to the sport when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His enshrinement ceremony was a celebration of his incredible career and the impact he had on the game of football.

Second Marriage: Paige Green

Chance Meeting at Marcus Allen’s Golf Tournament

Is John Elway married now? The answer is yes, and the story of how he met his current wife is quite serendipitous. In 2005, John Elway attended a golf tournament hosted by fellow NFL legend Marcus Allen in Los Angeles. It was there that he first laid eyes on Paige Green, a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader.

Courtship and Engagement

Despite their initial meeting, John Elway and Paige didn’t immediately start dating. It wasn’t until they reconnected in Denver some time later that their relationship began to blossom. Their courtship was marked by shared interests and a deep connection that went beyond Elway’s football fame.

In September 2008, John Elway proposed to Paige during a trip to Italy. The romantic setting and gesture set the stage for their future together.

2009 Wedding in Italy

Who is John Elway married to now? The answer is Paige Green. John Elway and Paige Green tied the knot on August 29, 2009, in a beautiful ceremony in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The intimate affair was attended by close friends and family, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Elway’s life.

Blending Families

With John Elway’s four children from his previous marriage and Paige’s own life experiences, the couple faced the challenge of blending their families. By all accounts, they have done so successfully, creating a harmonious and supportive family unit.

Family Life Today

elway broncos

Relationship with Adult Children

John Elway’s children are now adults, and he maintains close relationships with all of them. His son Jack briefly followed in his footsteps, playing quarterback at Arizona State University before retiring due to medical issues.

Grandchildren

In recent years, John Elway has taken on a new role: grandfather. He relishes this role, often speaking about the joy his grandchildren bring to his life.

Balancing Work and Family

As President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos, John Elway continues to have a demanding career. However, he and Paige make a concerted effort to balance their professional commitments with family time. They are often seen attending Broncos games together, with Paige providing unwavering support for John’s continued involvement in the sport he loves.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Elway’s Charitable Foundation

John Elway and his wife Paige are committed to giving back to the community. The Elway Foundation, established during his playing days, continues to be a force for good in the Denver area and beyond.

Support for Children’s Causes

One of the primary focuses of the Elway’s philanthropic efforts is supporting children’s causes. They have been particularly active in:

  • Funding programs for at-risk youth
  • Supporting children’s hospitals
  • Promoting youth sports initiatives
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Joint Efforts with Paige

John Elway’s wife Paige is an equal partner in their charitable endeavors. Together, they have:

  • Hosted numerous fundraising events
  • Participated in community outreach programs
  • Used their platform to raise awareness for various causes

Their joint commitment to philanthropy has further endeared them to the Denver community and beyond.

Health Challenges

Hand Condition (Dupuytren’s Contracture)

In recent years, John Elway has been open about his struggle with Dupuytren’s contracture, a hand condition that causes tissue in the palm to thicken and contract. This condition, which affected both of his hands, posed a significant challenge for the former quarterback.

Public Awareness Efforts

Rather than keeping his health issues private, John Elway has used his platform to raise awareness about Dupuytren’s contracture. He has become a spokesperson for treatment options, encouraging others who may be suffering from the condition to seek help.

Legacy and Impact

Influence on Denver Community

John Elway’s impact on the Denver community extends far beyond his accomplishments on the football field. He and his wife are beloved figures in the city, known for their charitable work and community involvement.

Continued Role with Broncos Organization

As a key figure in the Broncos’ front office, John Elway continues to shape the future of the franchise he once led on the field. His transition from player to executive has been remarkably successful, cementing his status as a Denver sports icon.

Family-Focused Approach to Life After Football

Despite his continued involvement in football, John Elway has maintained a strong focus on family life. He and Paige are often seen supporting each other at various events, presenting a united front both in their personal lives and their community efforts.

Conclusion: The Evolution of John Elway

From star quarterback to family man and executive, John Elway’s journey has been one of continuous growth and adaptation. His ability to succeed in multiple arenas – on the football field, in business, and in his personal life – is a testament to his character and work ethic.

John Elway’s wife Paige has been an integral part of this later chapter in his life, providing support, partnership, and a shared commitment to family and community. Together, they continue to make a positive impact, both in Denver and beyond.

As we reflect on Elway’s career and life, it’s clear that his legacy extends far beyond his impressive stats and Super Bowl rings. John Elway wife has played a significant role in his journey, demonstrating that with determination, adaptability, and the support of loved ones, it’s possible to continually reinvent oneself and find new ways to contribute and succeed. The bond they share further highlights the importance of personal relationships in achieving greatness, showcasing how John Elway wife has been a steadfast pillar in his life.

John Elway’s story is far from over. As he continues to guide the Denver Broncos and engage in philanthropic efforts alongside his wife Paige, one thing is certain: the Elway name will continue to be synonymous with excellence, both on and off the field, for years to come.

FAQs About John Elway’s

Who is John Elways’ first wife?
John Elway’s first wife is Janet Buchan, whom he married in 1984 and divorced in 2003.

How old are John Elway’s children?
John Elway’s children, born between 1985 and 1990, are now in their 30s.

Who is John Elway’s current wife?
John Elway’s current wife is Paige Green, whom he married in 2009.

Does John Elway have children with Paige?
No, John Elway does not have any children with his current wife, Paige Green.

What happened to John Elway?
After retiring from football, John Elway became an executive for the Denver Broncos and continues to be involved in the sport.

Is John Elway retired?
John Elway is retired from playing football but remains active as President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos.

What does John Elway have on his hand?
John Elway has been diagnosed with Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that affects the tissue in his palms.

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