John Elway, Broncos CEO Joe Ellis test positive for COVID-19

Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, who is now the team’s general manager, along with team president and CEO Joe Ellis have tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Tuesday.

The Broncos said in a statement that both men were informed of their diagnosis Tuesday morning after Ellis was “not feeling 100 percent on Sunday morning.”

“Joe promptly reported his symptoms to our medical team and watched Sunday’s game at home as a precaution,” the statement said. “He continued to work from home on Monday before receiving a positive test result this morning.” 

The team added that Elway began experiencing “minor symptoms” Monday morning and immediately left the Broncos training center after informing medical staff. 

“Other than mild symptoms, both Joe and John are doing well,” the statement continued. “They will continue to work from home in self-isolation and participate in virtual meetings while their health is monitored.”

The team added that based on NFL contact-tracing data, the team was “confident these cases originated independently outside team facilities.”

“There were minimal close contacts identified for each (no players or coaches), and those individuals have been notified,” the statement added. 

“While our facilities are closed for Election Day, coaches are conducting their game preparations today remotely as a precaution. Our organization will remain in communication with the NFL, making all decisions in consultation with the league and based on guidance from medical experts,” the team said.

According to NBC’s Denver affiliate KUSA, three Broncos assistant coaches — Curtis Modkins, Mike Munchak and Ed Donatell — have been placed in the NFL COVID-19 protocol in recent weeks, as well as starting right guard Graham Glasgow. 

KUSA reported that multiple Broncos staff employees have also tested positive.

This comes after the Broncos game against the New England Patriots was rescheduled twice last month after a number of Patriots organization members contracted the virus. The teams eventually played on Oct. 18, with the Broncos defeating the Patriots 18-12. 

In September, the Broncos, along with the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers were issued fines of up to $250,000 each because their coaches did not regularly wear masks or face coverings during games.

The three head coaches of the teams, the Seahawks’ Pete Carroll, the Broncos’ Vic Fangio and the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, were also each fined $100,000.