A sad happy trails to John Brodie

Today Matt Maiocco told about a fascinating Bill Walsh/John Brodie connection.

MM wrote a book on the history of the 49ers. In researching it, he spent several hours talking ball with Walsh. Walsh told about how Brodie would often come by Stanford (Brodie was a Stanford alum) while Walsh was coaching there. At one point, Walsh told about asking Brodie to tell him what went on in playing QB. Walsh was a receiver (TE) in college but knew nothing about the finer points of playing QB. So, Brodie took the time to go through all the details, which Walsh later employed in working with Steve DeBerg, Joe Montana. Steve Young, and others.

In short, it was John Brodie that put Walsh on the map as a QB whisperer.

Originally posted by brodiebluebanaszak:
Oh no. This is awful. He started my football obsession being on the cover of SI, "Look out for the 49ers"

Brodie to Washington, Brodie to Kwalick, what combos. No wonder they made it to the championship round.

Thanks for helping me along Mr. Brodie. You made it happen for a 9 year old, and 55 years later it's like yesterday.

Happy trails sir. You made a difference.

Yep, sad news. Was thinking about him recently too. My first real sports hero as a little kid in the early 70's. Lucky enough to see him and so many other great Niners of that time in 72 & 73 when they had training camp at UC Santa Barbara. He was always very nice as were the others. My dad took a picture of 10 year old me & him after a practice with John in his road white #12 jersey
& gold pants. Awesome. He & Gene Washington signed posters I had of them and they all signed cards I brought. Still have all except the stray football (storage unit theft) I picked up with encouragement from my dad LOL! Good times. Growing up in Ventura we had the rival Cowboys in 1,000 Oaks which was cool but didn't compare to seeing my Niners up close for that brief time. RIP, God bless you, and thank you, Mr. Brodie.

Originally posted by dj43:
Today Matt Maiocco told about a fascinating Bill Walsh/John Brodie connection.

MM wrote a book on the history of the 49ers. In researching it, he spent several hours talking ball with Walsh. Walsh told about how Brodie would often come by Stanford (Brodie was a Stanford alum) while Walsh was coaching there. At one point, Walsh told about asking Brodie to tell him what went on in playing QB. Walsh was a receiver (TE) in college but knew nothing about the finer points of playing QB. So, Brodie took the time to go through all the details, which Walsh later employed in working with Steve DeBerg, Joe Montana. Steve Young, and others.

In short, it was John Brodie that put Walsh on the map as a QB whisperer.

That's amazing. Love it! Go Niners!!!

Dave Volsky put this tribute together for Brodie.

Originally posted by linkboy:
Dave Volsky put this tribute together for Brodie.

Wow! This was really well done.