Sean Payton Responds to Broncos Legend John Elway as He Revisits Denver’s “2018 Pain”

Denver, Colorado – At a moment when the Denver Broncos are standing at the edge of their most meaningful season in years, an old chapter was suddenly reopened. Not by the locker room. Not by the coaching staff. But by one of the most powerful voices in franchise history. And as the words “2018 pain” resurfaced, all attention turned to the man leading Denver today: Sean Payton.

Recent comments from John Elway, in which he expressed regret over passing on Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft, quickly spread throughout Denver. For many fans, it reopened a wound that never fully healed — a defining fork in the road that led the Broncos through years of uncertainty at quarterback. But Payton did not respond with defensiveness or avoidance. He chose a different direction entirely.

Payton understands the timing. The Broncos sit at 13–3, heading into Week 18 with a chance to secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In moments like this, even echoes of the past can become distractions. And Payton moved decisively to quiet them by placing his full confidence in the quarterback under center: Bo Nix.

“What happened in the past, I don’t see it as pain. I see it as steps that opened the door to a different future. And Bo Nix is the future of Denver — the way he controls the game, his calm under pressure, his weekly preparation, and his leadership in the locker room. Without question, he is the best choice for us right now.”

The quote never mentions Josh Allen. It doesn’t argue history. Yet the message is unmistakable. The Broncos are not defined by regret. In Payton’s view, Denver doesn’t need to look back to 2018 searching for answers — because the answer is already in the building.

Throughout the season, Bo Nix has shown why Payton’s belief runs so deep. His ability to process defenses quickly, deliver accurate throws in critical moments, and maintain composure under pressure has given Denver a level of stability it has long sought at the position. It hasn’t always been flashy, but it has been reliable — the foundation of a team built to compete deep into January.

Payton isn’t interested in debating Elway over legacy decisions. He isn’t trying to win a media back-and-forth. His focus is on protecting the present — and reinforcing trust in the quarterback he believes will shape the next era of Broncos football.

For Denver, Week 18 is more than just a game. It’s a referendum on belief, direction, and identity. And the message Payton is sending to Broncos Country is clear: the past can be acknowledged, but it no longer defines this team.

The future of the Broncos isn’t found in what was missed.

It’s standing right there.

His name is Bo Nix.