John Brodie, the renowned quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from the late 1950s through the early 1970s, passed away on Friday in Solana Beach, California. He was 90 years old. His wife, Sue Brodie, confirmed the news, which was also announced by the 49ers.
Brodie became a standout quarterback despite facing criticism during his early years on underperforming teams. He eventually emerged as a highly skilled passer and achieved the distinction of being football”s highest-paid player at one point. A former All-American at Stanford in 1956, he was named the NFL MVP in 1970. Over the course of 17 seasons, all with the 49ers, Brodie transformed the team from obscurity into a competitive force, although he did not secure a league championship or Super Bowl title.
Despite this, he garnered respect from many in the sport, including Tom Landry, the esteemed coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who remarked on Brodie”s mastery of the quarterback position.
Brodie”s career unfolded during a period when football was capturing the national imagination, particularly as quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas and Y.A. Tittle emerged as symbols of courage and leadership. Nonetheless, Brodie distinguished himself by emphasizing that football was merely a game he played, not his entire identity. At Stanford, he opted to walk on to the football team rather than accept an athletic scholarship, allowing him to participate in varsity golf.
In addition to his football career, Brodie competed on the PGA Tour during the NFL offseason and later joined the senior tour after departing from broadcasting, where he worked as a football analyst for NBC for over a decade. He captured one tournament victory at the 1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic in Los Angeles, defeating notable players in a playoff.
In 1966, he made headlines by becoming the highest-paid player in football through an unusual negotiation strategy. Following a season in which he led the league in multiple passing categories, Brodie sought a significant raise from his then-salary of $35,000. When the 49ers declined his request, Brodie leveraged interest from the upstart American Football League to negotiate a lucrative deal, ultimately securing a contract worth $921,000 over three years.
Brodie”s early career was not without its challenges. He faced intense scrutiny from fans, often enduring beer cans thrown at him after losses, prompting the installation of protective fencing at Kezar Stadium. Despite throwing more interceptions than touchdowns over his career, he was nonetheless recognized for his contributions to the game.
Born on August 14, 1935, in San Francisco, Brodie grew up in Oakland, where he excelled in basketball and baseball before focusing on football. He was drafted third overall by the 49ers in 1957. After stepping in for an injured Tittle, he quickly made his mark by throwing a game-winning touchdown pass.
Throughout his tenure with the 49ers, Brodie amassed 31,548 passing yards and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections. His jersey number, 12, was retired by the team following his retirement. In later years, he resided in La Quinta, California, with his wife, Sue, whom he married in 1957. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, a son, and numerous grandchildren.
Brodie”s competitive spirit extended beyond football, as he engaged in various sports, including golf and card games. In 1974, he published a memoir titled “Open Field,” reflecting on his motivations and views on competition, suggesting a balance between winning and playing with integrity.
