John Elway still a factor for Broncos

Orton and Elway chat in 2010. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

A must-read from ESPN’s AFC West blog — Josh McDaniels asked the franchise’s all-time greatest player, John Elway, to address his beleaguered players during practice this week. Broncos officials believed it to be the first time the Hall of Famer had spoken in such a capacity since retiring in 1999.

“This is a Hall of Fame player, a two-time Super Bowl champion, this is the biggest name in team history,” Denver safety Renaldo Hill said. “I wanted to hear every word this man said.”

The move worked, as evidenced by the team’s on-field response, along with many players citing Elway’s words in their post-game interview.

“John Elway came out and talked to us and said, ‘Don’t be relieved with a win and don’t be satisfied with a win, just go out and take the win,’” Kyle Orton said. “I think everybody took that mindset into the game.”

Shrewd move, McDaniels.

John Elway still has an impact in Denver [ESPN]