Final Bio

DENVER – Former University of Hawai'i placekicker and punter Jason Elam retired from the National Football League Wednesday after signing a one-day contract with the Denver Broncos. Elam, a 17-year veteran, played 15 of those years with the Broncos and most recently was a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

 

During his retirement press conference, Elam remembered his time as a Rainbow Warrior, “Coach (Paul) Johnson for recruiting me to the University of Hawai'i. Who could've asked for a better college experience than the University of Hawai'i? Coach Bob Wagner, my head coach there for my entire stay. I really appreciate your leadership and your friendship along the way.”

 

Following the UH's 1992 Holiday Bowl and Western Athletic Conference championship season, Elam was selected by the Broncos in the third round (70th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft.

 

“I remember at the University of Hawai'i, (Denver Broncos President) Mr. (Pat) Bowlen and myself had some common acquaintances,” Elam said. “I remember thinking to myself, 'Wow, I would love to play for Mr. Bowlen. I would love to play for the Denver Broncos.' I got the opportunity. On draft day I had no idea they were looking at me. They never tried me out, they never called me, nothing. Then I got a phone call that they had taken me as a third-round pick, and it was just a dream come true.”

 

During his NFL career, Elam totaled the fifth-most field goals (436) and points scored (1,983) in league history. He also ranks seventh in NFL history in career field-goal attempts (540), fourth in extra points made (675) and fourth in extra points attempted (679).

 

He earned three Pro Bowl selections with the Broncos while setting franchise records for career field goals (395), field-goal attempts (490), field-goal percentage (80.6%) as well as extra points made (601) and attempted (604).

 

A member of the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team, his 236 games played for Denver are a club record and his 15 seasons with the Broncos are tied with center Tom Nalen for the second most seasons with the team in franchise history behind Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway's 16.

 

Elam tied a 28-year-old NFL record for the longest field goal in pro football history by making a 63-yarder vs. Jacksonville on Oct. 25, 1998. He also posted an NFL-record 16 consecutive 100-point seasons (1993-2008) and ranks first all-time in overall 100- point seasons (16).

 

Elam played for UH from 1988-92 and is still the school's all-time scoring leader (395) and holds school records for most field goals (79), field-goal attempted (100), and longest field goal (56). His 79 field goals was one shy of the then-NCAA record held by Washington's Jeff Jaeger. As a punter, he owns the school's career average record (43.5) and has the second longest punt (78) in school history.