John Brodie, a former MVP and one of the NFL’s most outstanding passers during his 17-year tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, has passed away at the age of 90.
According to the 49ers, Brodie’s family announced he died on Friday. He suffered a stroke on October 24, 2000.
“The 49ers family is heartbroken to hear about the loss of one of our franchise’s legendary players, John Brodie,” said 49ers co-chairman John York. “As a child, my love for the 49ers started by watching John play quarterback on television. His dedication to his teammates and unwavering support for the organization after his playing days were truly remarkable.”
“John became a cherished friend, and he will always hold a significant place in 49ers history. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Sue, and the entire Brodie family.”
Brodie played for the 49ers from 1957 to 1973 after setting every major passing record at Stanford. He later competed on what is now the PGA Tour Champions, winning the 1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic.
His 17-season record remains unmatched in 49ers history, with his 31,548 passing yards ranking second to Joe Montana on San Francisco’s all-time passing list. Upon retiring after the 1973 season, he was only behind Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton in the NFL’s all-time passing yards.
With 214 touchdown passes, Brodie ranks third in team history, just behind Montana and Steve Young.
“He was an incredible person and a fierce competitor, regardless of the arena—be it football, cards, or golf,” said Jerry Mertens, a cornerback for the 49ers from 1958 to 1965. “He excelled in everything he did and was a true leader, no doubt about it.”
Brodie was awarded the NFL MVP in 1970, throwing for 2,941 yards and 24 touchdowns while only throwing 10 interceptions. He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in 1970 and 1971, which was the closest he came to a Super Bowl.
Upon his departure from football, the 49ers honored him by retiring his jersey number 12, making him the fourth player in San Francisco’s history to receive this accolade.
Brodie led the NFL in passing yards three times and in touchdown passes twice, receiving first-team All-Pro honors in 1970 and second-team honors in 1965.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 200 pounds during his playing career, Brodie was born on August 14, 1935, in San Francisco and attended Oakland Tech High School. He earned unanimous All-American status at Stanford in 1956 and was named MVP of the East-West Game, receiving the Coffman Award.
In college, he earned three letters in football under coach Chuck Taylor and two in golf. The 49ers selected him in the first round of the 1957 draft.
His standout year came in 1965 when he achieved career bests with 242 completions, 3,112 yards passing, and 30 touchdown passes, earning the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Brodie surpassed the 30,000-yard milestone in the fourth game of the 1972 season.
After his football career, Brodie continued to excel as a golfer. At the age of 56, he triumphed at the 1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic, defeating Chi Chi Rodriguez and George Archer with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff.
