Elway raves about breakout star Lindsay: 'I'd take 53 of him'

Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2018 season and has left 31 other general managers wondering how he slipped under the radar.

Lindsay went undrafted out of Colorado and landed in his own backyard. The 24-year-old has now unexpectedly seized the starting role and hasn't looked back, rushing for 937 yards and eight touchdowns, adding 25 receptions for 189 yards and another score.

Broncos general manager John Elway couldn't be happier with how Lindsay has produced thus far.

"I'd take 53 of him," Elway said on Orange and Blue 760. "The way he plays the game and his attitude toward the game and the competitiveness, he's been absolutely tremendous this year and we're thrilled to have him."

Elway's journey to the NFL starkly contrasts with Lindsay's. One of the most lauded college prospects of the 1980s, Elway was selected first overall in the 1983 NFL Draft before earning two Super Bowl victories during his Hall of Fame career. With two different paths to the NFL, Elway couldn't help but be impressed with Lindsay's tenacity en route to his breakout season.

"He's a guy who is an underdog and plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that's what I like about him," Elway said. "I think that his size was the one thing that was his drawback, but you look at his heart and you look at his ability and the speed."

Lindsay was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week and has emerged as the focal point of the Broncos' offense. If he can continue to lead the Broncos into the playoffs - the team currently rides a three-game winning streak - Elway will surely revel in his hidden gem shining on the big stage.

H/T NFL.com