John Elway is currently executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 in his first year of eligibility, he played college football at Stanford University and spent his entire professional career with the Denver Broncos. Elway recorded the most victories by a starting NFL quarterback at the time of his retirement in 1999—he was also the second most prolific passer in NFL history. Elway led his teams to six AFC Championship Games and five Super Bowls, winning his last two. Today, Elway, a proponent of omega 3s, is an ambassador of Neptune Krill Oil (NKO), manufactured by Neptune Technologies and Bioressources, Inc. During Supplyside East in New York City in May, he addressed the media about his involvement with krill. As the new football season kicks off, here are some of the comments he shared. 

Health E-Insights: Prior to Neptune Krill Oil, had you taken an omega 3 product?

Mr. Elway: Yes. I was taking fish oil before. About a year ago, my son mentioned krill because I was having reflux problems using fish oil. When my agents mentioned the possible relationship with Neptune Technologies, I started using krill oil and I’m no longer having reflux issues. Because of my previous occupation, wellness has become an issue as I’ve gotten older—especially since I’ve had the most sacks of any quarterback in NFL history. So wellness has become a big part of me, especially the anti-inflammatory side with my joints. I’ve noticed a big difference.

Health E-Insights: Is it because of the joint issues that you started taking supplements?

Mr. Elway: My doctor suggested taking it and my wife is a healthy person and she started with fish oil. And my son did too.

Health E-Insights: Have you been taking supplements for a while?

Mr. Elway: I’m not a huge supplement guy. Fish oil with fatty acids and antioxidants were important to me. But my wife is in control of the supplements and she sets it all out for me. She’s the “Charles in Charge” and takes good care of me when it comes to supplements.

Health E-Insights: Were joint issues a problem while you were playing or afterward?

Mr. Elway: More so afterward. I’ve had 13 surgeries. I had my left knee replaced. That’s where most of the joint soreness was. And the older I get, joint soreness and inflammation are the most important things I’ve had to deal with.

Health E-Insights: What is your sense of awareness of krill vs. fish oil?

Mr. Elway: We’re trying to show the great benefits of krill vs. fish oil. We have a long way to go. But we’re trying to get Neptune and NKO out there and introduce people to it and continue to grow the brand.

Health E-Insights: Is this relationship with Neptune a mutual one or are you just being a spokesperson?

Mr. Elway: It came at the same time I heard about krill. The opportunity to be part of their team and be a company ambassador and learn more about krill is exciting. Their philosophies tied into the same as mine. Our ideas and thoughts are on the same page. I’ve worked hard throughout my career to create a good brand. So it’s important to me when you partner with someone that you really want to be associated with them. Neptune’s goals married up very closely to mine, which has made this a great relationship. Neptune is pioneer with krill. It’s fun to be part of a team that is growing and expanding. They want to be number one in the krill market. They’ve only scratched the surface.

Health E-Insights: Any comments about Tim Tebow and his leaving the Broncos?

Mr. Elway: Tebow did a great job for us last season, but Peyton gives us a chance to be competitive and win a championship right away. But being an ex-quarterback, I know I’m only as good as the guys around me. And I’m only as good as Neptune is.

Health E-Insights: Can you comment about the head injuries in the NFL?

Mr. Elway: Football is such a physical sport. Everyone who plays the game understands there are responsibilities. The NFL is trying to take aiming points off the head. When I was playing, if you got dizzy, once it cleared up you were looked at as ready to go. The work being done to look at head injuries is becoming a lot more extensive. Trying to protect the players without losing the integrity of the game is an important element. I don’t know if we’re ever going to change the repeated hitting of the head, but with the research that is going to identify whether continued head hits are an issue, will help determine if or when they should get onto the field. With all the new studies that are going on it will help the players protect themselves more.

Health E-Insights: Players have been dealing more and more with head injury issues and there have been studies especially involving DHA. Is krill something that can help?

Mr. Elway: It’s hard to say because focusing on the neurological side is so new in terms of what role krill can play. Hopefully that will come out the way everyone wants it to. Athletes these days are more aware of what they put into their bodies. Every team has a nutritionist. And every season the awareness level is even higher then when I played football.

Health E-Insights: When a player is suspended for substance abuse there’s often a finger pointed at the dietary supplement industry.

Mr. Elway: The way the NFL tests there is no excuse. It’s either there or it’s not. Sometimes they don’t want to take credit regarding how something got in their body. In society it’s always everybody else’s fault and not mine, even though it’s my body. It’s harmful to the supplement industry, but when you look at it, it’s the player making an excuse.

Health E-Insights: After Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos), who’s the best NFL quarterback in your estimation?

Mr. Elway: I think Tom Brady (New England Patriots). He’s a solid football player and has the right mentality. He’s been to Super Bowls. I know him personally and he’s a champ of a guy. I am looking forward to seeing how Luck (Andrew Luck) does with Indianapolis. But it’s tough for a young guy playing on team that might not be good.
 
 Sheldon Baker is well known for creating nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns. For Health E-Insights interview consideration, contact him at[email protected]. And follow him on Twitter @NutraInk.