How rich is John Elway? The Masked Singer season 12 celebrity contestant’s net worth explored

As The Masked Singer season 12 kicked off on September 25, fans of the show were in for a treat when the first celebrity to be unmasked was none other than John Elway, the legendary American footballer. Known primarily for his sports career, Elway surprised audiences with his performance in The Masked Singer. Disguised as the Leaf Sheep, he brought energy and nostalgia to the stage.

Beyond his brief incursion into the competition, The Masked Singer, John Elway is known for his illustrious career and impressive financial portfolio. With a net worth estimated at $145 million, he has not only made his mark on the football field but has also scored significant successes in the business world.

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Who is John Elway of The Masked Singer season 12

Early life and football career

Early life of John Elway (Image via Getty)

John Elway was born on June 28, 1960, alongside his twin sister in Port Angeles, Washington. His upbringing in a football-centered family saw them moving around frequently due to his father, Jack Elway's, coaching career. John excelled in sports from a young age, particularly as a high school quarterback, where he was known for his dual-threat capability to pass and run effectively.

He earned numerous scholarship offers and he eventually chose Stanford University. At Stanford, Elway continued to shine despite a controversial end to his college football career. His remarkable skills on the field made him a top prospect, leading to his selection by the Baltimore Colts in the 1983 NFL Draft.

Insistent on playing for the Denver Broncos instead, Elway's career with the Broncos initially faced hurdles but quickly turned into a legacy, marked by spectacular achievements. Leading the Broncos to five Super Bowls and winning two, Elway concluded his NFL career on a high note by securing back-to-back Super Bowl victories and earning the Super Bowl MVP in his final game.

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Business ventures and financial success

John Elway's car dealership (Image via Getty)

John Elway's ventures extended beyond the football field, particularly in the business world. One notable success was his creation of John Elway Autos, a network of five car dealerships in the Denver area, which he sold to AutoNation for $82.5 million in 1997.

This deal allowed AutoNation to use his name for marketing purposes until 2006, after which Elway re-entered the automotive industry under his brand. He established various dealerships, including Toyota Scion, Chevrolet, Chrysler Jeep, and Cadillac franchises, reinforcing his business acumen.

However, not all of Elway's business decisions were successful. One significant missed opportunity was the potential purchase of a 20% stake in the Denver Broncos. Although it would have required an upfront investment of $15 million plus forgoing $21 million in future earnings, this stake would have been worth $900 million when the Bowlen family sold the team in 2022.

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Financial setbacks and failures

John Elway's financial setbacks (Image via Getty)

Elway's financial journey also includes its share of setbacks. One notable instance was his $15 million investment in a Ponzi scheme, which resulted in a loss of $7 million. Additionally, his investments in Laundromax and QuePasa both turned out to be unsuccessful. Despite these failures, Elway managed to retain significant wealth through his other endeavors.

Another prominent financial misstep was his investment in MVP.com, an online retail venture that quickly failed, along with his co-ownership of the Colorado Crush, as the team disappeared after the Arena Football League folded. Despite these setbacks, Elway’s financial status is stable, mainly due to his successful football career and other business triumphs.

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Journey on The Masked Singer

John Elway's time on The Masked Singer season 12 was a fun surprise for all. Dressed as the Leaf Sheep, the former NFL star sang I Like It, I Love It by Tim McGraw. This performance showed a different side of Elway which fans weren’t used to seeing. Even though he was the first to be unmasked, his presence added excitement to The Masked Singer.

Ken Jeong correctly guessed his identity, while other panelists had fun trying to figure it out. Elway's appearance on the show gave fans a chance to see him in a new light beyond his football fame.

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Don't miss out on the excitement of The Masked Singer. Tune in to FOX on Wednesdays at 8/7c to catch all the thrilling performances and surprising unmaskings.