John Elway

Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway endorsed Mitt Romney ahead of Wednesday's presidential debate in Colorado.

“Governor Romney is a proven leader with the experience and background to turn around our struggling economy,” Elway said in a statement. “In these tough economic times, we need a president who understands how to get America working again – by standing on the side of taxpayers and small-business owners who do the real job creating. I am endorsing Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan for President and Vice President because I know having the courage to make decisions and tackle challenges is what leads to results and real change. America needs a comeback team – Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are that team.” 

“Leaders come in many forms, and John Elway has always exemplified leadership, first as a quarterback for the Super Bowl champion Broncos, and now as an executive vice president for the team,” Romney said in a statement. “He’s had to overcome challenges during his career, and he knows what it takes to turn things around when things get tough. I’m proud to have him on my team as we campaign to lead the comeback this nation desperately needs.”

Elway, the longtime quarterback of the Denver Broncos, is executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos. Elway was instrumental in letting quarterback Tim Tebow go in the last off-season and signing Peyton Manning.

UPDATE: Elway will rally with Romney tonight in Colorado: 

Legendary Quarterback, John Elway will be with us at tonight's rally.

— Mitt's Body Man (@dgjackson) October 2, 2012

UPDATE II: This is the second football big to express vocal support for Romney today. Earlier, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson put country first:

Woody Johnson was asked in a Bloomberg interview whether he’d prefer to see a winning season from the Jets or Mitt Romney, the man he supports, occupying the White House.

“Well I think you always have to put country first,” Johnson said, “so I think it’s very, very important that not only for us but for particularly our kids and grandkids that this election comes off with Mitt Romney and [Paul] Ryan as president and vice-president.”