Happy Birthday, Comeback Kid

CLEVELAND, OH-JANUARY 11: NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway scrambles with the ball during his famous “The Drive” game during the AFC Championship against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium, Cleveland Ohio on January 11, 1986. Elway played for the Denver Broncos from 1983-1999. (Photo by Ron Vesely)

I don’t know why I do, maybe it’s because I’m a birthday nut, but every year I remember that today, June 28th, is the day John Elway was born back in 1960.  For those of you that don’t know who he is, well let me just say that he’s the BEST quarterback in the history of football.  Let me also say  that I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and have gone to EVERY home Chiefs game there was from age 7 years old to 19 years old because my parents had season tickets.   In fact, if my parents (God rest their souls) knew that I was paying homage to a DENVER BRONCO they would roll over in their urns.  There has always been an ongoing rivalry between the two teams and to even utter a complimenting breath of this rival is absolutely unheard of.  

My son has always been a fan who inherited his love for Denver from his father, my ex-husband.  During our marriage, and even while we were dating, I was forced to watch every Broncos game that was televised.  During the mid 80’s, the Broncos games were pretty exciting to watch.  And because I was “forced” to watch them,  I became  knowledgeable about the team and the players.  My all-time favorite game was against the Browns when “The Drive” became the play of all plays.  It was exciting to watch John Elway, who always managed to come through in the eleventh hour of a game.  He had an arm on him and he always pulled  a win out of the last two minutes left coming from behind with help from teammates Vance Johnson and Shannon Sharpe.  I loved watching those guys.  He was determined to lead his team to victory and became known as “The Comeback Kid.”

Not only did he play college football but also college baseball, the first sport he was drafted in.  He was an amazing athlete.   I might add right here that my son’s birthday is May 2nd and that is the date that John Elway signed with the Broncos.  He also retired on that date from the only football franchise he ever played for.  Although it wasn’t the exact same year as the birth of my son, just knowing it all happened on May 2nd is just a bonus for me.  

I know I’m not supposed to be a fan  but I will always consider him to be the BEST quarterback that’s every played the game of football.  And each year when this day rolls around, I will always remember that it’s John Elway’s birthday.  Love me or leave me, I don’t care…it’s just the way it is.  Happy Birthday #7!!!!  I’ll always be one of your fans even if I have to pretend I’m not.     With that being said (I love you Mom and Dad)...GO CHIEFS!!!

Have a blessed day ya’all!!!

Kelly 🙂