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There's only one quarterback who started at the Super Bowl five times. And he achieved two consecutive Super Bowl wins - something only four other teams have ever accomplished.

They'd told him he was too old. They'd told him he should retire.

But John Elway had faith...

After 13 years he'd led the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl three times - where they'd lost every time. But at the age of 37, Elway returned with a winning team - and marched them to victory in Super Bowl XXXII.

Surely he'd retire now, they said. But Elway returned for a final season - and triumphed again, winning Super Bowl XXXIII and being named Super Bowl MVP.

Bur Elway's five Super Bowl seasons are only part of the story. What really made him great was the magic - the possibility that a miracle could happen whenever he took the field. He'd read the coverage and in a split-second identify the best opening for grabbing extra yards. No matter how good the defense was, Elway always found an opening. Watching him play was always a thrill, because everyone knew he'd make plays happen.

In one memorable game in 1986, Elway was trapped on his own 2-yard line, trailing the Cleveland Browns by a full 7 points while playing for the AFC Championship. "We got 'em right where we want 'em!" the Bronco's offensive guard said, and in just 15 plays - eight after the two-minute warning - Elway scored, tied the game, and then in overtime earned his first trip to the Super Bowl.

He eventually set the record for fourth-quarter comebacks, proving again and again that no team was safe if they led by less than 7 points. (Maybe that's why his number was "7.") If you left Elway's receivers open, he'd connect, and if you covered his receivers, Elway ran. And he always guaranteed great football action.

No quarterback has ever achieved more career victories except Brett Favre (whose team Elway defeated at Super Bowl XXXII). It was a thrill to watch John Elway deliver inspiring performances that showed how good football could be.

And that's ultimately what makes a quarterback great.

Learn more about this author, Moe Zilla.
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