John Elway's is a recognizable face in Denver. But if you ran into him at Shanahan's Steakhouse, would you have the guts to go up to him? Especially if he had the power to draft you into the NFL the very next day?
Colorado native Sam Jones was faced with that very dilemma last Wednesday, April 25. He was eating dinner at Shanahan's Steakhouse the night before the NFL Draft when he spotted John Elway -- the Denver Broncos' GM, VP for Football Operations, and draft mastermind -- sitting just three tables away from him. Jones -- who played for ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch and then started for three years at Arizona State University as an offensive lineman -- was hoping to be drafted during the three-day NFL event. And the Broncos, who have famously struggled on their offensive line, were a viable option and (as a lifelong Broncos fan) Jones's first choice. But he wasn't sure if he should interrupt Elway, who appeared to be close to finishing his meal and leaving the restaurant. And then all he'd be left with was a regretful sense of "what if?". [caption id="attachment_36509" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
Shanahan's Steakhouse in Denver, courtesy of TripAdvisor[/caption]
“I’m thinking, well, do I go over and say something or not?" he said, according to 9News.
Time was of the essence, so Jones texted his trainer -- former Bronco Matt McChesney -- for advice. With McChesney's encouragement and gung-ho support, Jones took a deep breath and approached Elway.
“It was kind of awkward; I didn’t know exactly what to say,’’ Jones said. “I just introduced myself and told him, ‘Good luck on a big weekend and I’d love to be a Bronco.’ And he said, ‘we’ll see if we can make it happen.’’’
Elway, who has been vocal about his desire to draft players of high character and great leadership ability, did make it happen on Day 3 when he and the Broncos selected Jones in the sixth round, with the No. 183 pick. If Jones's brave decision to go up and introduce himself to Elway doesn't show leadership and maturity, I don't know what does!
Watch Elway congratulate Jones here:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY9seeHZG8E[/embed]
"When I talked to him on the phone I said I didn't realize we were going to be talking so soon, again,'' Elway said, according to 9News. "I'm excited for Sam. He's from Highlands Ranch and we feel like he's a good football player. He's got a chance to come in here and help us. What a coincidence we were able to meet .... I did not know him. I knew of him. So it was nice that he came up and introduced himself and we had a nice little chat.''The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Sam Jones was over the moon with excitement. “It’s a childhood dream come true," he said, according to the Denver Post. "It’s just incredible.’’ His trainer McChesney was so happy for him that he “pulled up in his truck, squealing (his) tires in front of my house and gave me a big hug,” Jones, who still technically lives with his parents in Highlands Ranch when he's not at ASU, said.
“I was actually just joking about that with my parents the other day,’’ Jones told 9News. “If I get drafted by the Broncos, I might be the only guy still living with his parents. I know my mom would like it but I think I might have to get my own place.’’
Congrats, Sam! Way to go! We look forward to seeing what you can do for the Broncos! And for all you kiddos out there, this just goes to show you how far a firm handshake and a pleasant (though awkward!) conversation can take you. ;-)
What do you think? Would you have had the courage to approach John Elway? What do you think about the Broncos' draft picks overall? We'd love for you to weigh in below!
