Elway doesn't need a championship to validate his career. He is one of the best who ever threw a football and is coming off another big regular season, throwing for 3,635 yards and 27 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He is also among the career leaders in every worthwhile passing category. And he has led 43 fourth-quarter drives to tie or win games. But a championship for Elway would provide the missing link to greatness, the way a World Series did for the Tigers' Al Kaline and winning the Stanley Cup did for the Red Wings' Steve Yzerman.
Nobody plays as long and hard as players of that caliber without yearning to win the ultimate game.
Elway was asked to expand on his retirement statement. He didn't back down from it, but he wouldn't push forward, either. I'm considering that when I get done. This is Elway's first Super Bowl in eight years. The Broncos were shredded by the 49ers, 55-10, in Super Bowl XXIV in New Orleans.