John Brodie, the celebrated quarterback who spent his entire 17-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, passed away on the morning of October 20, 2023. He was 90 years old. Brodie, who was awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1970, is remembered as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
In a statement released on Friday, 49ers co-chairman Dr. John York expressed the team’s sorrow: “The 49ers family is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the franchise’s all-time great players, John Brodie. He displayed an incredible commitment towards his teammates and his support of the organization never wavered after his playing days.” York also extended condolences to Brodie’s wife, Sue, and the entire Brodie family.
Brodie was drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft after a standout career at Stanford University. Over his time with the 49ers, he played in 201 games, ranking second in franchise history only behind Jerry Rice. He threw for 31,548 yards, placing him behind only Joe Montana in the franchise’s all-time passing yards. Brodie, Montana, and Steve Young are the only quarterbacks in 49ers history to achieve over 200 passing touchdowns.
A Legacy of Skill and Leadership
Known for his powerful arm and precise passing ability, Brodie excelled at connecting with receivers at all levels of the field. His remarkable skills led to the 49ers retiring his jersey number, 12, in 1973. Throughout his career, he led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 1970 to 1972 and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
While Brodie did not secure any league championships during his playing days, his impact on the 49ers’ future success was profound. The late head coach Bill Walsh acknowledged Brodie’s influence on his coaching career, stating, “He would take time to sit and talk football with me. I learned a lot of the mechanics, the footwork and techniques of the quarterback position from John.” Walsh credited Brodie with helping him develop strategies that would later benefit many quarterbacks under his guidance.
After retiring from professional football, Brodie found success in the Senior PGA Tour, where he achieved 12 top-10 finishes and secured one victory over a span of 14 years. He also served as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports for 11 years, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Overcoming Adversity
Brodie’s life took a dramatic turn on October 23, 2000, when he suffered a stroke while watching a Monday Night Football game. His wife, Sue, noted the severity of the incident, stating, “First of all, he shouldn’t have survived. It was a massive, massive stroke.” Despite the odds, Brodie demonstrated remarkable resilience, living for another 25 years after the event.
His impact on the field, as well as his tenacity in overcoming personal challenges, has left an indelible mark on the 49ers organization and the greater football community. As fans and former teammates reflect on his storied career, Brodie is celebrated not only for his athletic contributions but also for the friendships and mentorships he cultivated throughout his life.
