John Elway had come into the NFL with a lot of hype coming out of Stanford as the No. 1 overall pick in the loaded 1983 quarterback draft. He had shown flashes of what his arm, athleticism and toughness could do, but he needed the 1986 AFC championship game to change his trajectory from talented disappointment to clutch future Hall of Famer.
On Jan. 11, 1987 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Elway did it by adding more heartbreak to the Browns faithful. Down 20-13 after a Browns touchdown and botching the ensuing kickoff return, the Broncos had to march 98 yards in 5:32 to be positioned to tie the game. Fifteen plays without facing a fourth down, Elway completed 6 of 9 passes for 78 yards, including the game-winning 5-yard TD pass to wide receiver Mark Jackson. Elway also rushed for 20 of the Broncos’ 28 rushing yards on “The Drive” to ensure his legend would be born. Kicker Rich Karlis delivered both the game-tying extra point and game-winning overtime field goal in chilly conditions. Cleveland is still searching for its first Super Bowl trip, while Denver would go to the Super Bowl five times with Elway, winning his last two.
Happy 64th, John Elway!
"The Drive"
The 1986 AFC Championship
The #Broncos PFHOF quarterback leads his team on an unforgettable 15-play, 98-yard drive to force overtime late in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/zhQiO3bWw5
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) June 28, 2024
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