BOCA RATON, Fla. — Broncos president Joe Ellis walked through the Boca Raton Resort Club with repeated interruptions. An NFL owner congratulated him on the Broncos’ season. A general manager followed suit. They appreciated the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory, even if it preyed on credulity.

A year ago at the owners meetings, executives groused about Denver, wondering aloud the sanity of mutually parting ways with coach John Fox, who had won four consecutive AFC West titles. It signaled, to critics, what was wrong with the cutthroat NFL.

Yet Ellis learned long ago that John Elway’s instincts are almost always right. Elway believed a change could help, trusted that Gary Kubiak could shove the Broncos across the finish line. On Dec. 20 in the visiting locker room at Heinz Field, Ellis saw Elway’s vision come to life as Kubiak stood in front of the players. The Broncos had squandered a 14-point halftime lead, and stunningly, were facing the possibility of becoming the first team to start 9-2 and miss the playoffs. What happened next shaped a season, providing a storied chapter in the organization’s history.

“Gary called the team together and he bared his soul. He said guys, ‘Are you in with me or not?’ It was part anger, part emotion, part frustration, but a huge part passion,” said Ellis, who was in the room. “He was putting everything he had into this and he wanted his players to join him. And they did. They responded and never lost another game.”

The Elway and Kubiak partnership delivered. It worked in concert with the roster, stressed the importance of coaching up young players and handling issues with a firm hand. Elway, Ellis says, has a “unique skillset for his job,” because of his background in business, his upbringing as a coach’s son and as a hall-of-fame player at the league’s most important position. For that reason, Ellis refuses to panic over a turbulent offseason, featuring the departure of two quarterbacks, two captains (Peyton Manning and David Bruton) and two defensive studs (defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan).

The Broncos have not settled on a quarterback, though the acquisition of Mark Sanchez buys time as they look at a variety of options from San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick and Tampa Bay’s Mike Glennon to multiple free agents and potential draft picks.

“Our fans are anxious. That’s a good thing. They want us to win it again. It keeps us on our toes. And we never take them for granted,” Ellis said. “John is using solid judgment, and sticking to his plan. Let’s be honest, we’ve lost some good players, but for John, it’s like he’s on another drive to win a game. He will arrive at a decision that will be good for the Broncos.”

Von Miller’s status influences decisions on multiple levels. The Broncos designated the Super Bowl 50 most valuable player with the exclusive franchise tag. The sides continue to talk about a long-term deal, and have until July 15 to reach an accord. The Broncos preference would be much sooner, guaranteeing Miller’s attendance at offseason workouts which begin April 18. Ellis makes it clear that Miller is a cornerstone.

“Thanks to the incredible support of our fans, and the popularity of the league, we are among many franchises in very, very good shape. Whatever Von’s deal is going to be — and we know it’s going to be big — it’s not going to rock the franchise. We are prepared to do what’s right and what is fair,” Ellis said. “John is going about it that way. The sky is the limit for Von, and we look forward to signing him up for several more years.”

The Broncos continue to look for ways to improve the fan experience, adjusting to the advancing technology as the product is consumed on mobile devices. Denver typically maxes out in prime time games, and could exceed the limit with the league making all teams available for flex scheduling in Week 17.

“I just hope they take into account the weather for our fans when making that decision. Our season-ticket holders are our lifeblood,” Ellis said. “They have to be given respect.”

The Broncos’ stadium name remains the same — Sports Authority Field — despite the company’s bankruptcy filing.

“They have been a great partner, and we would certainly want to keep it that way,” Ellis said. “And it’s our hope and our belief that we will be able to.”

The Broncos have sold out 357 consecutive games. But Ellis admitted the fans’ connection to the 2015 team was unique because of the nature of a season when multiple games came down to the final moments. It resulted in a perfect ending, with a visit to the White House planned for June along with a separate ring ceremony in Colorado to commemorate the accomplishment.

“Those will both be fun events. The ring party will be special. We will make that a night of celebration and bring everybody back,” Ellis said. “The players and the football staff deserve that. It was a remarkable season. And we will have a great night to remember it.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck