Elway Is Sure He’s Retiring

Denver Bronco quarterback John Elway will retire Sunday because he no longer believes he can handle the physical punishment of the NFL.

Bronco owner Pat Bowlen confirmed Monday that Elway was leaving football because he “felt in his own mind that he had some physical problems he didn’t think he could overcome.”

The usually durable Elway, 38, missed all or part of six games last season because of hamstring, back and rib injuries. Of more concern, however, was a troublesome left knee. Limping around a golf course in Northern California last weekend, Elway admitted he eventually will require an artificial knee.

Bowlen said the news conference, already delayed several times, will be held Sunday at a time and location to be determined.

“We wanted to be very sensitive to the families involved in the Columbine [school shooting in Littleton, Colo.] situation,” Bowlen said.

Bowlen said he was in Australia two weeks ago, promoting his team’s Aug. 6 exhibition game there, when he received a telephone message from Elway.

“As soon as I got the message, I knew what it was about,” Bowlen said. “I called him back and basically it was a short conversation. He said, ‘Pat, I’ve decided to retire and go on with the rest of my life.’ ”

Bowlen said Elway’s No. 7 will be retired. Bubby Brister becomes Denver’s starting quarterback, with Brian Griese in reserve, and the Broncos have agreed to contract terms with Chris Miller, the former Ram and Atlanta Falcon who retired after the 1995 season because of a series of concussions.