Following the death of former NFL coach Dan Reeves on Saturday, Denver Broncos president of football operations John Elway released the following statement on his Twitter page:
The football world lost a heckuva coach and man today in Dan Reeves.
Dan was a winner. I owe a lot to him — he was instrumental in my career and growth as a quarterback. We were able to win a lot of football games together, going to three Super Bowls and competing every single year at a high level.
With Dan, you knew you were going to be in every game. You always had a chance with him on your sideline. As the head coach, Dan was tough but fair. I respected him for that. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but the bottom line is we won a lot of games together. Looking back, what I appreciate about Dan is how he gradually brought me along to help me reach my potential.
When you look at all Dan did in this league with all the success, all the Super Bowls and all the wins, I don’t think there is any question he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. What he’s been able to do — taking two different teams to four Super Bowls and going to nine Super Bowls overall — is incredible. That speaks for just how far-reaching his impact was throughout this league not only as a coach but also what he did as a player.
My heart goes out to Pam, their kids and the entire Reeves family. I am grateful for Dan and know that his legacy in this game will continue to live on.
Reeves’ nine Super Bowl appearances trail only Bill Belichick (12) and Tom Brady (10) in NFL history. A two-time AP Coach of the Year and a member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame, Reeves is the only head coach who reached four Super Bowls not yet in the Hall of Fame.
