PatsWin2002
09-14-2004, 02:08 PM
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/09/14/sports1658EDT0394.DTL
(09-14) 13:58 PDT GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (AP) --
Hall of Famer John Elway's appearance at a campaign rally for President Bush Tuesday wasn't his first venture into the political spotlight, but it may have been his most prominent.
Elway, the former Denver Broncos quarterback revered in Colorado for the Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999, praised Bush in football terms.
"This man knows how to make the right calls when the pressure is on," Elway said.
Bush returned the favor. "I'm proud to be introduced by the man who led 'The Drive,"' he said.
That was a reference to the Broncos' fabled 98-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes of the 1986 AFC title game against Cleveland. The Broncos won in overtime, 23-20.
Elway has long been a popular figure in Colorado. A 1999 poll ranked him ahead of Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Gov. Bill Owens and then-President Clinton in generating "very positive" feelings. The survey fueled speculation that Elway might run for political office, but so far, he has not.
He sometimes mingles with Colorado's Republican leadership. He attended Owens' 1999 black-tie inaugural ball along with then-Republican Party national chairman Jim Nicholson and brewer Peter Coors, now the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate.
Elway skipped an invitation to the White House after the 1998 Super Bowl victory but denied it was because Clinton, a Democrat, was president. Elway had his knee checked by doctors that day and then played a round of golf.
(09-14) 13:58 PDT GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (AP) --
Hall of Famer John Elway's appearance at a campaign rally for President Bush Tuesday wasn't his first venture into the political spotlight, but it may have been his most prominent.
Elway, the former Denver Broncos quarterback revered in Colorado for the Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999, praised Bush in football terms.
"This man knows how to make the right calls when the pressure is on," Elway said.
Bush returned the favor. "I'm proud to be introduced by the man who led 'The Drive,"' he said.
That was a reference to the Broncos' fabled 98-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes of the 1986 AFC title game against Cleveland. The Broncos won in overtime, 23-20.
Elway has long been a popular figure in Colorado. A 1999 poll ranked him ahead of Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Gov. Bill Owens and then-President Clinton in generating "very positive" feelings. The survey fueled speculation that Elway might run for political office, but so far, he has not.
He sometimes mingles with Colorado's Republican leadership. He attended Owens' 1999 black-tie inaugural ball along with then-Republican Party national chairman Jim Nicholson and brewer Peter Coors, now the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate.
Elway skipped an invitation to the White House after the 1998 Super Bowl victory but denied it was because Clinton, a Democrat, was president. Elway had his knee checked by doctors that day and then played a round of golf.