NFL legend and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway recently opened up about his battle with Dupuytren’s Contracture, a condition that has been affecting him for several years. The former Denver Broncos star shared details about his diagnosis and ongoing treatment, hoping to raise awareness of a disease that impacts many but is still relatively unknown.
Dupuytren’s Contracture (DC) is a hand condition that causes one or more fingers to bend towards the palm, making it difficult or even impossible for the affected fingers to straighten fully. According to the Mayo Clinic, DC occurs when the tissue beneath the skin of the palm thickens and tightens, leading to a permanent contraction of the fingers over time.
Elway, who received his diagnosis in his 50s, likely dealt with the symptoms while serving as the general manager of the Denver Broncos. Despite the challenges, Elway remains positive about his condition and continues to receive treatment after stepping down from the Broncos’ front office in 2022.
In an interview reported by The Big Lead, Elway reflected on his experience and his decision to seek treatment. “After being diagnosed, I wanted to find out more about DC. It’s something that a lot of people don’t know about, even though five percent of the population has it,” Elway said. “I didn’t really know what it was. I kind of put it off until I asked our trainer, who directed me to a hand specialist. But I think that is one of the things we are trying to encourage—the earlier you seek treatment, the better the results.”
Elway also emphasized how common the condition is and encouraged others who might be dealing with symptoms to seek help. “It’s amazing how, in the last five years, so many people have asked me about the condition and the treatment, Xiaflex, which is a non-surgical option. You are not alone. If you have these constrictions in your hands and fingers, there is treatment available.”
Dupuytren’s Contracture often progresses slowly, and without treatment, it can severely impact hand function, limiting the ability to perform everyday activities. Xiaflex, the treatment mentioned by Elway, involves injecting enzymes into the contracted tissue to help break it down and improve hand mobility.
For Elway, sharing his story is a way to help others become more aware of the symptoms and available treatments for this under-recognized condition.
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While Elway has faced challenges related to his health, he hasn’t let it keep him away from the spotlight. Most recently, Elway made a surprise appearance as a contestant on “The Masked Singer,” where he performed on the season premiere in September. Disguised as the “Leaf Sheep,” he sang “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw.
Though he was eliminated after just one episode, his appearance delighted fans and reminded everyone of his willingness to try new experiences and face challenges head-on.
Elway’s long career with the Denver Broncos is also part of his enduring legacy. He served as the Broncos’ general manager from 2011 through 2020, building a team that captured the Super Bowl 50 title.
After stepping down as GM, Elway stayed on with Denver’s front office in a different capacity before officially leaving the organization in April 2023.
Through his public battle with Dupuytren’s Contracture, Elway aims to shed light on a condition that often flies under the radar and encourage those suffering to seek treatment sooner rather than later. His optimism, both in dealing with the condition and embracing the next chapter of his life, is an inspiration to many.
