John Elway is confident the Arena Football League made the right move canceling the upcoming season. The co-owner of the Colorado Crush only wishes he could be as certain about the league’s future.
Elway thought it was “up in the air” whether the 22-year-old league would return in 2010.
“I think it’s about 50-50,” Elway said Friday while promoting his latest cause.
“There are a lot of things that have to fall in line,” Elway said. “But I think there’s a good chance the league will be back.”
The AFL is seeking to mold a better business model in turbulent economic times.
In Elway’s opinion, the future of the league rests with revamping that model.
“Band-Aids have been placed on the league (over the years), but this was a chance to step back and look at the business model to get it to where it’s not only good for the fans and players but be viable for the owners,” Elway said.
Although the AFL is on hold, the former Broncos great has plenty to keep him busy.
The Hall of Fame quarterback owns two area restaurants and is a shareholder, along with Wayne Gretzky, in Colorado-based Professional Bull Riders Inc.
Elway has been impressed with the maturation of third-year Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, who famously said earlier this season that he had a stronger arm than Elway “hands down.”
Does Elway agree?
“Who knows?” Elway said. “That really doesn’t matter. I just hope he’s very successful.
“He’s had a great year,” Elway said. “He’s got some weapons, and that line, they’ve done a good job.”
Cutler has been well-protected, the line giving up just 11 sacks this season.
“I don’t know if I ever had a year where I was sacked just 11 times,” Elway said.
