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San Francisco 49ers icon John Brodie died Friday, the team confirmed. He was 90 years old.
“The 49ers family is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the franchise’s all-time greatest players, John Brodie,” 49ers co-chairman John York said in a statement. “When I was a kid, my 49ers fandom began watching John play quarterback on television. He showed incredible commitment to his teammates and his support for the organization never wavered after his playing years.”
Brodie suffered a stroke in 2000.
The 49ers selected Brodie in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He spent his entire remarkable NFL career with the franchise. His playing days ended after the 1973 season, after which he moved to sports broadcasting.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in San Francisco (Getty Images)
“John became a dear friend of mine and will always be remembered as an important part of 49ers history,” York’s statement continued. “We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sue, and to the entire Brodie family.”
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In 1965, Brodie received the Len Eshmont Award in recognition of his courageous and inspiring play. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection and earned NFL MVP honors in 1970.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum during the 1970 preseason on September 12, 1970, in Los Angeles. (Darryl Norenberg/USA Today Sports)
Brodie’s 214 touchdown passes rank third in franchise history, behind Joe Montana and Steve Young.
“He was a great guy, a great competitor. I don’t care what it was: football, cards, golf,” said Jerry Mertens, a 49ers cornerback from 1958 to 1965. “He was a great player and he loved anything competitive.
John Brodie (12) of the San Francisco 49ers returns to pass against the Detroit Lions during an NFL game at Kezar Stadium on October 29, 1967, in San Francisco. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
Brodie also worked as a professional golfer. From 1985 to 1998, he competed on the Senior PGA Tour, a circuit now called PGA Tour Champions.
The 49ers retired Brodie’s number 12.
