Hall of Fame Quarterback John Elway wins the 2008 Brodie Award

"The Brodie," as it has become known, is an award given to honor an athlete or personality who has achieved success in their field and in the great game of golf. The inaugural award was presented to John Brodie who was voted NFL MVP in 1970 and then won on the senior PGA Tour in 1991. Brodie contended for many years at the Celebrity Championship and has helped to promote the popularity of this Super Bowl of sports golf tournament. Although Brodie never won this tournament, one of his greatest moments came last year when son-in-law, former All-Pro Quarterback Chris Chandler, won the 2007 American Celebrity Golf Championship.

This year's award is presented to former Denver Broncos MVP Quarterback John Elway. Elway has played in the last 18 Celebrity Golf Championships posting 8 top ten finishes. Elway has contended for this title many times, but his best finish is a tie for second in 1999. John Elway has one of the most impressive resumes of any athlete or personality out here. Elway was voted into a record tying 9 Pro Bowls, has 47 game winning or game tying drives, 2 Super Bowl rings and was voted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Previous winners of this award include NHL Superstar and 1998 Celebrity Golf Champion, Mario Lemieux, and MLB star pitcher and six time winner of this event, Rick Rhoden.

Some years ago, John Brodie suffered a life threatening stroke. After aggressive therapy, Brodie's road to recovery continues and he is always a fixture at this tournament.

Geoff Burke