Like many others, Denver Broncos President of Football Operations John Elway is mourning the loss of Dan Reeves. The legendary former player and coach passed away on Saturday. Elway released a statement that afternoon, recalling memories with the former Broncos coach, and sending his condolences to the Reeves family.

Elway was Denver's quarterback from 1983 to 1998, after being selected first in the 1983 NFL Draft. Reeves coached the Broncos for the majority of Elway's time with the team. They worked together from the time Elway joined the team to when Reeves moved on to coach the New York Giants in 1993.

Now an executive for the Broncos at the time of his former coach's passing, Elway acknowledged the impact Reeves had on him as a player.

“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,” Elway said. “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 of the 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.”

Elway admires Reeves' mentorship and coaching, writing that the NFL lost a “heckuva coach and man” in Reeves.