John Elway documentary set for Netflix premiere

State of play: Elway's 16-season NFL career began in 1983, when he entered the league as the most heralded college prospect in a generation — a No. 1 overall pick who was initially drafted by a team he refused to play for.

• Elway elbowed his way into Denver after the (former) Baltimore Colts traded him to the Broncos.

And the rest, as they say, is history:

• Two Super Bowl titles.
• Nine Pro Bowl selections.
• A regular-season and Super Bowl MVP.

The intrigue: Before back-to-back Super Bowl wins, Elway was known for coming up short on the NFL's biggest stage, holding the ignominy of losing back-to-back Super Bowls before becoming a champion.

• The documentary chronicles the doubt those losses cast on Elway's ability to win big games, speaking to former teammates, coaches and his family.

What they're saying: "There's tough times, but the tough times made the great times that much better," Elway said during the film's world premiere at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver last month.

• Fans attended the event in Broncos gear, turning the elegant auditorium into a slice of the late Mile High Stadium with cheers sparked by Elway's career highlights, including The Drive.

What's next: The documentary premieres Monday on Netflix.