The San Francisco 49ers announced the passing of franchise legend and former quarterback John Brodie, a member of the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame. He was 90 years old.
"The 49ers family is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the franchise's all-time great players, John Brodie," 49ers co-chairman Dr. John York said in a statement released by the team. "As a kid, my 49ers fandom began by watching John play quarterback on television. He displayed an incredible commitment towards his teammates and his support of the organization never wavered after his playing days. John became a dear friend of mine, and he will always be remembered as an important part of 49ers history. We express our deepest condolences to his wife, Sue, and the entire Brodie family."
The 49ers Communications staff shared the following details honoring the Bay Area icon's life and career.
A member of the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame inaugural class (2009), Brodie was originally drafted as the third overall selection by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1957 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 17-season career with San Francisco (1957-73), where he appeared in 201 games (159 starts) and threw for 31,548 yards and 214 touchdowns. His 17 seasons mark the longest tenure of any 49ers player, while his 31,548 passing yards are the second-most in franchise history, and his 214 passing touchdowns are the third-most. Brodie also started in all five postseason contests he played in, totaling 973 passing yards and four touchdowns.
A two-time All-Pro honoree (Second Team – 1965; First Team – 1970), two-time Pro Bowler (1966 & 1971) and NFL MVP in 1970, Brodie guided the 49ers to back-to-back NFC Championship Games (1970-71) and had his jersey number, 12, retired by the team in 1973.
Brodie was also the 1965 recipient of the team's Len Eshmont Award, selected by his teammates for his inspirational and courageous play.
Born John Riley Brodie in San Francisco, CA, on August 14, 1935, he attended Stanford University, where he lettered in both football (1954-56) and golf (1955-56). Following his senior football season in 1956, Brodie was named an unanimous All-American. He was also inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.