Denver Broncos Name John Elway Executive V.P. of Football Operations & Joe Ellis Team President
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Wednesday named two-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway as Executive Vice President of Football Operations and appointed Joe Ellis as President, Broncos Owner and Chief Executive Officer Pat Bowlen announced.
"John Elway’s leadership, competitiveness and passion for the Denver Broncos will position this team for long-term success through his work leading our football operations," Bowlen said. "John has won championships as both a player and executive, and his experience will be a valuable addition to this franchise. He is the perfect fit for this role, and I am excited to welcome him back to the Denver Broncos."
Bowlen added, "Having worked with Joe Ellis for 16 years, I have the utmost confidence that he is the right person to lead this entire organization as club president. The expertise he has demonstrated on both team and league initiatives will allow him to thrive with the enormous responsibilities that accompany directing a franchise that means so much to this region and its fans."
Elway, who set numerous records with the Broncos during his 16-year playing career (1983-98) and led the Arena Football League’s Colorado Crush to a World Championship in 2005 as its co-owner/CEO, will direct the Broncos’ football operations in his new role. He will oversee the Broncos’ head coach and General Manager Brian Xanders while assisting in the supervision of the club’s football personnel department.
A Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2004 inductee, Elway will have final authority over the Broncos’ football operations and lead the club’s head coaching search. He will report directly to Bowlen and Ellis on all matters involving football operations.
During his playing career with the Broncos, Elway set an NFL record for Super Bowl appearances (5) by a starting quarterback, including back-to-back World Championships following the 1997-98 seasons. He retired with the most wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history (148-82-1, .643), 47 comeback drives (1st in NFL history), 51,475 passing yards (2nd) and 300 touchdown passes (3rd).
Elway spent the 2010 season as a consultant for the Broncos’ marketing initiatives following eight years as co-owner and chief executive officer of the AFL’s Colorado Crush (2002-09). He ran the club’s day-to-day operations beginning with its founding in June 2002, spearheading its football operations and maintaining a presence in all of its marketing and promotional activities.
Named the AFL’s Executive of the Year in 2003 and elected chairman of its executive committee in ’07, Elway also worked closely with Bowlen, who was a one-third owner, during his time with the Crush.
The Broncos’ chief operating officer for the last three years and a 16-year club employee, Ellis will operate atop the Broncos’ management structure and have ultimate responsibility for the organization as team president. His extensive responsibilities with the club’s business operations will include speaking on all matters involving the franchise.
A driving force in the creation of INVESCO Field at Mile High, Ellis also worked as Vice President of Club Administration and Stadium Management for the National Football League before returning to the Broncos for his second stint with the team in 1998.
Team to hold a press conference today at 1:30 p.m. MST at training facility
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The speculation ends
We have back our beloved #7 and will hope and pray he puts us back on the right track.
However, I’m a little nonplussed that Joe Ellis got a promotion out of this. “Joe, you’ve done a heckuva job. You’re promoted.” He better earn it.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
Who else could Bowlen have elevated?
Just have to hope for the best!
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The artist formerly known as ZAPPA
i'm crossing every digit I have (and some i never knew i had)
Good luck, Broncos!
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 8:17 AM MST up reply actions
What was Ellis' previous job title?
And…because I really don’t know…isn’t this structure much better suited to Ellis now? Leave the football decisions to John and just take care of the overall business aspect?
"They are who we thought they were!"
gcman on twitter
great point
And I’ll add this … at least Ellis manned up, apologized, and admitted the way they’ve been distributing power in the past was a mistake. He’s been with us for ages, and he seems like a good guy. Let’s just hope that they have really, honestly learned from it. Hiring Elways, in this respect, is a good sign. John doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who will give in too easily if he feels the GM is making an error.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 8:22 AM MST up reply actions
Cheif Operations Officer
…of Football Operations (I think)
I actually think this is a good sign because it gets Ellis the hell out of the picture for making football operations decisions…maybe I’m looking too closely for a silver lining (I would have preferred that Ellis be tossed out on his rear)
"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV
Awesome! John knows his football and will get us headed in the right direction!!
Good first move boyz!
My job is to separate the player from the ball - John Lynch
He Was COO Before
I don’t think there is functionally much of a difference. It seems Ellis was pretty much running everything beforehand. It does seem though that Bowlen continues to become less and less involved with the running of the team.
Welcome back Mr. Elway
Now let’s go win one for Pat.
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Jan 5, 2011 8:15 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
amen, Royal!
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 8:17 AM MST up reply actions
Ok folks front office in place let’s move forward and find a great coach and staff
by always broncs on Jan 5, 2011 8:19 AM MST via mobile reply actions
It was nice knowing you Pat Bowlen
what other reason could there be for promoting Ellis other then he is either to old or too senile to run the team himself? You were a great owner Bowlen, and better for knowing when it was time for you to step down
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 5, 2011 8:27 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
so Xanders is the GM?
I am happy about this. I think that it is key for the development of the organization to have some continuity in the equation. We have 2 years of drafting/player development and free agent signing that cannot be washed away. He IS familiar with the players that were drafted (even if he didn’t make the ‘final’ decisions). He knows why we drafted them and what they can do and what they are expected to become. He can help (with Elway and the new coach) determine the fate of many of these players based on these expectations.
Ultimately, he needs to become a strong GM, but in the short term he needs to be a bridge from McDaniels’ coaching stint to the next coaching stint.
by El_Tiante on Jan 5, 2011 8:27 AM MST reply actions 2 recs
great point
rec’d
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 8:49 AM MST up reply actions
Good news.
I’m happy to see Elway back with the Broncos in an official capacity.
Some people got nothing to be angry about so they're angry about nothing. - Doug Stanhope
I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. - Thomas Jefferson
The man gets right to work
Seriously, how awesome is this photo?

In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 8:48 AM MST reply actions 7 recs
nice to have an executive lugging those around again
isn’t it? : )
i’m going to be fined for overuse of emoticons today. But i can’t wipe this smile off my face. : )
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 8:53 AM MST up reply actions
%^)
You got it, bubba.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 6:34 PM MST up reply actions
What a great job to have
Here’s to John becoming the Jerry West of the NFL (stud player – stud executive)!
Despair: It's always darkest just before it goes pitch black.
they said they took that at 7:30 am
pretty good work ethic, considering the first HC interview aint till Friday and the season’s over.
that's great.
it’s like GQ posed him for the perfect “let’s do this thing” photo. hilarious.
I'm not sugarcoating this.
Electronic paper is ok
But I still like to spread out paper when going over lots of info.
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Don’t worry about it. As an ignorant redneck, I’m qualified to say that.
MileHighReport Pick 'Em
42 McSpeed200 1, xxxxx 139 80.1
This picture says to me
John is not a tie man. Time to stop for coffee but not tie the tie? He didn’t want to and had time to do it in the office before anything official came up.
Workin man, Smart, Business saavy, Luv’s our team.
I am ecstatic! :)
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Don’t worry about it. As an ignorant redneck, I’m qualified to say that.
MileHighReport Pick 'Em
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Good Day-!
This is a good day. Not only can we now say that John Elway is an official Bronco again-!
But who else will make the decisions he will with as much passion for his team?
I can’t think of anyone else. GO BRONCOS-!!!!
Along with John comes the restoration of Woodrow's access ; )
Paid dividends for him today. Pretty insightful stuff here, including a list of coaches who will be interviewed and John’s indication that the hire will happen within the next two weeks.
http://www.denverpost.com/paige/ci_17012532
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
Ha, ha! I had that exact thought when I saw
Woody’s article this morning. Great minds….
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 9:54 AM MST up reply actions
ya knows it, ruben
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 6:35 PM MST up reply actions
News on Harbaugh...
In today’s Mercury New (San Jose, CA, Bay Area Newspaper, I live in South Bay) Article by Tim Kawakami, who is a very good and reliable local sports writer, comparable to Adam Schefter, very plugged in…. long article on the 49ers pursuit of Harbaugh. He claims they have been in talks for weeks and Harbaugh actually “gave his approval on the new GM Baalke”. Sounds like they are way ahead of everyone else in the Harbaugh stakes. If we land him, then Elway will really have my respect… even more than he does already.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 9:07 AM MST reply actions
I want Mularkey over Harbaugh so I am good if we get him or not.
Thanks for the info rubencarterrocks. This is why I love MHR so many outlets for news!
I am so pumped ELWAY is Back, and the front office will have stability and checks and balances!!!!!!!!!
2/3 of the earth is covered by water the other 1/3 is covered by Champ Bailey!
THIS IS BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!
by The 3 Amigos on Jan 5, 2011 9:11 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I 100% agree with this
There have been two very good articles on Mularkey as coach (written in the past couple of weeks) here on MHR that really turned me on to him.
The key to the entire coach search is the question Bowlen, Ellis, Elway, and Xanders need to ask themselves: “Is ___________ a leader of men?”
by El_Tiante on Jan 5, 2011 9:13 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
My concern about Harbaugh is that he's just a leader of young boys
And it won’t translate to the nfl
by black_knight101 on Jan 5, 2011 9:19 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Sigh
So tired of this arguement
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
Is it not a concern for you at all?
B Lloyd said on the radio yesterday that college coaches dont know how to motivate the veterans. I’m open to the idea that harbaugh might be different, but it is at least a concern
by black_knight101 on Jan 5, 2011 10:33 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Harbaughs advantage is
14 yrs @ QB in the NFL (I think that qualifies as on the job training in how to motivate vets) and coaching experience in the NFL. He understands vets, he was / is one.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 11:10 AM MST up reply actions
Not really (for me)
To me Harbaugh has shown he can elevate talent, he has shown he can coach a pro system, and the fact he was a starting QB in the NFL for a good amount of time makes me think he understands how to motivate on the NFL level. He knows what will work there and not, as for B Lloyd’s comments, my feeling is that a “NFL” experienced coaching staff didn’t do didley squat motivaing the vets on this team, so his arguement holds little weight to me.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
I really like Harbaugh and
he would be my first choice. I was excited initially about what was being written about Mularkey but then saw some black and white info on his coaching record, his success and failures. Not so sure now about him. Harbaugh has taken both college programs, San Diego and Stanford and had drastic turnarounds as their head coach. I think the guy is a winner and dynamic one at that. Plus I love the way he stood up to Pete Carroll and the USC program, eventually getting the best of them!
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 9:23 AM MST up reply actions
rubencarterrocks
Mularkey was 9-7 in his first year with BUFFALO!! He then won 5 games as bills wanted to start over so he stepped down.
2/3 of the earth is covered by water the other 1/3 is covered by Champ Bailey!
THIS IS BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!
Well, Tom Cable is available now....
(kidding). Not sure RedSavina, the guys I really like are being retained, Frazier and Kubiak. And I am still bummed that we did not hire Raheem Morris when we had the chance, I preferred him to McD at the time, even though I wasn’t unhappy at the time with McD’s hire. (water under the bridge, I know…). I really like Marty Mornhinwig and think he may be ripe to become a very good head coach. He has experience in that role with Detroit, and his lack of W/L success there should not be held against him, after all, it’s Detroit! He has shown his offensive chops in his OC roles. I have always liked the idea of a HC who has a wide exposure in the NFL to different teams, systems and HCs. As opposed to guys who come from a single coaching tree, experience is tough to beat. Mornhinwig has that, and is highly regarded. I also admit I have some bias, I know his brother and have talked a number of times about how Marty is doing, he comes from a solid family and is well rounded, solid guy. Plus, I have great respect for Andy Reid and anything that he has gained from Reid must be considered a plus, just my 2 cents.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM MST up reply actions
Thanks for the comment
Maybe we should invite Hue in for an interview. Can you imagine Al’s reaction???
I was most interested in Spagnuolo, but that didn’t pan out. I was quite concerned about McD having previously lived in Patriot country (where I currently find myself again) and knowing a bit about that organization. Can’t argue with their results, and I like how they generally steer clear of the prima dona’s, but I’ve always found them to be a lacking something in character department (sort of machine-like).
I like your “broad experience” criteria. If Woody’s article is to be believed, we should hear something well before the playoffs are over. That dramatically cuts into the potential candidates. My gut tells me next week. Can’t wait!
I think Bowlen might do
it just to mess with Al, maybe drive up the price for Hue
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 10:12 AM MST up reply actions
There was a lot of speculation that we fired mcd at the time that we did so we could talk to a college coach
We did it right when the college regular season started. So hopefully we talked to him too. But the 49ers job would be very convenient for harbaugh, he wouldn’t even have to move, so I too would be very impressed of elway was able to get harbaugh.
by black_knight101 on Jan 5, 2011 9:12 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks for the tip!
I tracked down and read the article. Was a bit nostalgic to read the Bay Area perspective (I lived in the north bay from 94-02). ;)
What caught my eye was the point about Harbaugh preferring an NFC team due to his brother’s role in Baltimore. If true, that would dim the hopes of both MIA and DEN. It was also interesting that one reason he may have declined Michigan is the dream of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Wow, N.Bay, serious enemy territory Red.
One plus of course for us is the Stanford connection with Elway. I hope in the past year the 2 sat down and had some beers and a good connection was made. I still think Denver is a very desirable place to come to for a coach, Bowlen is really well respected, the organization still has it’s Superbowl sheen to it, even though it is slowly diminishing. Still considered one of the plum positions in the NFL I believe.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 9:28 AM MST up reply actions
Red made me realize i should have given the link info on that
Mercury News article, here ya go:
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2011/01/05/the-stage-is-set-for-harbaugh-to-join-the-49ers-unless-he-doesnt/
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 9:31 AM MST up reply actions
Enemy Territory
I once had the opportunity to go to a Raiduh game, but passed on it. I was willing to go without my team colors, but knew I wouldn’t be able to resist cheering for the Broncos. In the end, the risk of a trip to the Emergency Room (or worse!) wasn’t worth it.
I won my best bet with a co-worker who was as passionate about the silver and black as I am about the orange and blue. The stakes? Team colors for the entire work day! The attached photo doesn’t show all the other schwag (footballs, flags, magnets, etc) that I decked out his cubicle with. Every time I see or think of this photo it just warms my heart! I’m sure glad I won the bet…
Red
Very nice, good thing
that you weren’t there this year!
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 10:14 AM MST up reply actions
bwahahahaha
Seriously though, he must have felt great to be supporting a team that actually won a SB in the last two decades.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 6:36 PM MST up reply actions
Red
Funny how he said that as San Fran Plays Baltimore this year and Denver does not
2/3 of the earth is covered by water the other 1/3 is covered by Champ Bailey!
THIS IS BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!
"What's the deal?"
If Hargaugh goes to SF, he gets to play against Pete Carroll every two years — more chances to harrass the guy he beat up on while at Stanford.
Agreed! Maybe that's an angle
we haven’t considered. Perhaps Harbaugh has determined he wants to be Carroll’s permanent pain in the a_____!
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM MST up reply actions
I'm glad Elway is back but I am scared also. I sure hope this works out better than it did for Millen and Marino.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
true to form
Elway has always had a knack for leaving us a little breathless. Can he do it? Will he do it? Is it possible?
It’s possible. And at minimum, we have an experienced executive who loves this team like no other could.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 5, 2011 9:20 AM MST up reply actions
Marino basically didn't want to work
Millen I think read too much of what Mel Kiper wrote and based his scouting on that, in addition, I don’t think Millen was ever part of the Lions family.
John has (by all accounts) an incredible work ethic and is truly part of the Broncos, I think he has the tools to do his job very well, I still would not be surprised if we get a GM to replace Xanders in the next few weeks, someone with a good personnel eye. I also think that John having spent so much time with his dad (who was a personnel evaluator for the Broncos during our SB runs) will help him in the transition. To me Millen really had no background going in and obviously paid the price.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
by Broncoman on Jan 5, 2011 9:58 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
fully agree Broncoman, I wrote the same thing
below before seeing your post. Sorry!
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 10:10 AM MST up reply actions
I agree with this too but it doesn't satisfy me to the point where I am completely comforable with it.
I love the move don’t get me wrong. I think I will just feel much better after seeing how it plays out this year. I sure hope it works out for the best. I would hate to have fans calling for Elway’s head because his plans don’t work out. That would be the worst thing for this franchise and for Elway to experience IMO.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Jan 5, 2011 12:51 PM MST up reply actions
Welcome home John!
I’m very happy to see Elway involved again with the team. It is risky, but less so because he has shown he can do this on a smaller stage….your most important first priority: Find us a damn good HC for the foreseeable future!
"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV
Thank god Elway is back
Now I have to question what pictures Joe Ellis has of Mr. Bowlen in compromising positions, I was really hoping Ellis would of been canned and out of the picture.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
I have high hopes for Elway.
comparing him to other players who failed at the GM position not a good comparison. Each guy is so unique that that is not a good analytical tool. Things I do know about John that I think gives us hope:
1. He comes from a father who was a good coach. From an early age he was around someone who worked with different football programs and was responsible for evaluating talent. Hopefully he learned from that.
2. He has been very clear for quite a while now he wants to be involved in running a team, preferably the Broncos, even trying to get some limited ownership. I believe he has been very intentional (Crush experience) in preparing for this. Plus he has real world business experience.
3. He loves the Broncos. It’s not simply job leading to another job in another franchise. I have no doubt he is intellectually and emotionally committed to this team. If he is good, then we will have him for a long time. That type of consistency in the FO is what has made Pittsburgh and NE successful.
Go John!
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 5, 2011 10:06 AM MST reply actions
Schefter says
Harbaugh to SF today
_stuck between Jets and Patriots fans in the Northeast_
Broncos Fan for 35+ years
umm...
maybe I read the twitter thing wrong. Anyone care to validate or correct the latest from Schefter?
_stuck between Jets and Patriots fans in the Northeast_
Broncos Fan for 35+ years
That's a confusing tweet
It sounds to me like he think sf is the favorite as of today
by black_knight101 on Jan 5, 2011 10:58 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
yeah
On first read I thought he was saying SF today (hence my post). After re-reading, I am leaning more towards your interpretation that that is the state of things today. Oddly worded, though, since it seems to clearly rule out teams in a manner that seems more than just “today”. It was also not clear which part he was re-tweeting and which part was his own addition: I presume the final statement was Schefter’s.
_stuck between Jets and Patriots fans in the Northeast_
Broncos Fan for 35+ years
So...we have to call them (Bowlen, Ellis, Elway Xanders) the four horsemen right?
I mean, isn’t that obligatory?
"West Coast Seattle boy-The Jimi Hendrix Anthology-" Get it.
How about BEEX for short?
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk
ha
It’s a good think Bowlen and Ellis aren’t a celebrity couple. The media would call them BowEl.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 6, 2011 7:40 AM MST up reply actions
Hmmm
I can’t say I like that.
4hrsmn?
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Don’t worry about it. As an ignorant redneck, I’m qualified to say that.
MileHighReport Pick 'Em
43 McSpeed200 . xxxx 147 79.2
OOP's
Reply fail…
should have replied to KK
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Don’t worry about it. As an ignorant redneck, I’m qualified to say that.
MileHighReport Pick 'Em
43 McSpeed200 . xxxx 147 79.2

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