KC Royals: NFL Stars Drafted by the Royals

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

John Elway

Dan Marino and John Elway have been linked together throughout NFL history. Taken in the first round in the 1983 NFL Draft, Marino and Elway were among the best at their position during their time, and are both amongst the all time great NFL players.

They are also connected to one another via the KC Royals. In the same 1979 MLB Amateur Draft, Elway was an 18th round draft choice by Kansas City. Two years later, the New York Yankees selected Elway in the second round of the 1981 Amateur Draft. A pitcher/outfielder, Elway did eventually play professional baseball in the Yankees system, posting a stellar .318/.432/.464 batting line with four home runs and 13 steals for the Oneonta Yankees.

For as bright of a future as Elway appeared to have in professional baseball, it is hard to argue with his decision to play football. Traded to the Denver Broncos after threatening to focus on baseball when he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts, Elway was the 1987 NFL MVP and was named to the Pro Bowl nine times. Considered one of the more clutch quarterbacks ever to play the game, Elway retired on top, winning consecutive Super Bowls and, in his final game, won the 1998 Super Bowl MVP award.

Dan Marino and John Elway were linked to one another throughout the NFL careers, two top players sharing the stage at the same time. Yet, what many people may not have realized is that they are also linked with their selections by the KC Royals.

Next: Lorenzo Cain's Season Among Best in Royals History