In June 2014, John Albert “Jack” Elway III, the only son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and then–Denver Broncos general manager John Elway, was arrested in Denver and charged with misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace after an altercation with his girlfriend. The Jack Elway assault case ended three months later with a plea deal: he pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace, the assault charge was dropped, and he received a deferred judgment with one year of probation and domestic violence counseling. He served no jail time.
What Happened the Night of the Arrest
Denver police were called to the area of West Colfax Avenue and North Lipan Street, near the Auraria campus, in the early morning hours of June 1, 2014.1Westword. Jack Elway Tore Out Some of Girlfriend’s Hair and Extensions, Police Report Says According to the arrest affidavit, Elway, 24 at the time, had been driving with his girlfriend of about a year when a verbal argument escalated.2KDVR. Affidavit: Jack Elway Dragged Girlfriend From Car by the Hair
The girlfriend told the responding officer that Elway stopped the car, got out, and pulled her from the vehicle by her hair, ripping out both extensions and some of her natural hair.1Westword. Jack Elway Tore Out Some of Girlfriend’s Hair and Extensions, Police Report Says When she tried to get back in the car, she said he shoved her to the ground, scraping her knees.2KDVR. Affidavit: Jack Elway Dragged Girlfriend From Car by the Hair He then fled on foot through the Auraria campus, leaving behind his car and California driver’s license.
Charges and Release
Police found Elway at his father’s home in Cherry Hills Village. He was taken into custody without incident, booked at the Denver jail on misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace, and released after posting a $550 cash bond.3Denver Post. John Elway’s Son Gets Probation in Domestic Violence Case A protection order was issued for the victim.2KDVR. Affidavit: Jack Elway Dragged Girlfriend From Car by the Hair
The Plea Deal and Sentence
The case, filed in Denver County Court before Judge Johnny Barajas, was set for a jury trial on August 6, 2014, but never reached one.4Denver Post. John Elway’s Son Quietly Pleads Not Guilty to Assault On September 16, 2014, Elway pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace, and the Denver City Attorney’s Office withdrew the assault charge.3Denver Post. John Elway’s Son Gets Probation in Domestic Violence Case
He received a deferred judgment and one year of probation. The conditions included:
- Completion of a domestic violence counseling program
- No contact with the victim
- No possession of firearms during probation
- Payment of fines and court costs
Under the deferred judgment, if Elway finished the year without further incident, he could withdraw his guilty plea and have the case dismissed.5The Globe and Mail. John Elway’s Son Pleads Guilty to Disturbing Peace After Girlfriend Alleges Violence He avoided jail entirely.6Washington Post. John Elway’s Son Avoids Jail, Sentenced to Domestic Violence Counseling Instead
Questions About Special Treatment
The court proceedings drew scrutiny almost immediately. Elway had been scheduled to appear the morning of Thursday, June 5, 2014, but his defense attorney arranged for him to enter a not-guilty plea the day before, around 8:30 a.m. The change was not reflected on the public docket until the following Thursday, keeping the hearing effectively hidden from press and public.4Denver Post. John Elway’s Son Quietly Pleads Not Guilty to Assault
Tom Kelly, an attorney representing several media outlets, called the arrangement “wrong” and said it “clearly involves special treatment.” Melissa Drazen-Smith, acting director of prosecution for the Denver City Attorney’s Office, said such scheduling requests were “not uncommon” and that prosecutors typically did not object unless a trial or testimony was involved.4Denver Post. John Elway’s Son Quietly Pleads Not Guilty to Assault
Later reporting found that hearings in the case were moved up at least twice without the changes appearing on the public docket until after the proceedings had concluded. The hearing at which the plea deal was reached was also excluded from advance public notice.7Deadspin. Did John Elway’s Son Get Special Treatment in His Assault Case
His Defense Attorney
Elway was represented by Harvey Steinberg, a Denver criminal defense attorney whom Sports Illustrated once described as “the man Colorado sports figures call when they’re in trouble.”8Fox Sports. Harvey Steinberg: The Man Sports Figures Call When in Trouble A former Arapahoe County prosecutor, Steinberg had built a career defending Broncos players and other Colorado athletes. He has said he treats all clients equally regardless of fame.4Denver Post. John Elway’s Son Quietly Pleads Not Guilty to Assault
What Jack Elway Is Doing Now
No subsequent criminal incidents involving Jack Elway have been publicly reported. After leaving the Arizona State football program and graduating early with a degree in economics, he spent four years at his father’s Toyota dealership in Manhattan Beach, California, then moved into marketing work and became involved with Mint Tradition, a luxury custom hat company.9Cronkite News. Leaving ASU: Jack Elway Quits Football, Forges Path He appeared alongside his three sisters in the Netflix documentary Elway, which premiered in December 2025.10People. All About John Elway’s Kids