Elway’s Son Quits Football

It can’t be easy growing up with a football legend for a dad. Just ask Jack Elway, son of Hall-of-Famer quarterback John Elway and member of the Arizona State football team.

Or, rather, former member.

John Elway, Image: Newscom

Jack Elway was a redshirt freshman quarterback for the Sun Devils and would have been part of a five-way battle for the starting quarterback position for 2009. Most experts considered the likely starter to be senior Danny Sullivan, with Elway just behind on the depth chart. He says that the probable lack of playing time again this season had nothing to do with it – he’s just sick of football.

Dennis Erickson, Arizona State’s head coach, said that they all understand the decision, but he notes that the star’s son would have played eventually. I’m sure that this is a real blow to the athletic program in terms of donor support from Papa Elway and in terms of the press it would have generated.

Elway’s choice of school, however, makes me think that he was always on the fences about football in the first place. With his father behind him, he could have gone anywhere, so why not a school with a bigger name in the football world if you’re really devoted to the game? It wasn’t like he needed to go to the school that made him the best offer, as I’m sure the Elway family could pay for his tuition anywhere in cash. Well, there were some family ties to the coaching staff…but really, if you can play anywhere…

I, for one, and happy for him. He plans to remain a student at the school, finishing his degree and pursuing other interests. If football isn’t what he wants to do with his life, getting away from it now is the smart choice. Beside, he doesn’t need to be the college’s quarterback. Saying that he’s John Elway’s son is enough of a chick magnet.