DENVER (KDVR) — The 2025 Denver Film Festival held its closing night with the premiere of a film centered around the life of the Denver Broncos’ last name – John Elway.
On Saturday, the festival screened the world premiere of “Elway,” a documentary about the life and accomplishments of Elway, the Denver Broncos Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Ken Rodgers, Emmy Award winner and co-director of “Elway,” spoke to FOX31 on the festival’s red carpet about the film and his reaction to the project.
“My first reaction was, ‘Well, everyone already knows John Elway.’ And then my second reaction was, ‘Wait, it’s been over 25 years since he played fullback?’ Rogers said. “It’s time to tell a big story about a big man, John Elway.”
According to the Denver Film Festival website, The documentary chronicles Elway’s life during his early football career at Stanford University during his 16 seasons with the Broncos.
“You know, I think it’s a good story in my life,” Elway said on the festival’s red carpet. “It shows something other than my football life, which is nice.”
Rodgers said Elway’s film is as much a family film as it is a football film. Even highlighting what he believes is the greatest part of Elway’s story is the present.
“He’s succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, and he’s really enjoying it now,” Rodgers said. “So we have to spend time with him today, being who he is today. Instead of the midfielder who was always under pressure.”
Elway also talked about how it felt to see himself on the big screen in the documentary.
“This is the first time I’ve been in a movie that’s all about me,” Elway said. “So, yeah, it feels a little different than what I’m used to.”
“Elway” premiered at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. After the screening, Elway and Rodgers also had a conversation about the documentary.