John Brodie, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, passed away on Friday. He was 90 years old.
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"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 Friday afternoon statement. "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 mourn the passing of Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Famer John Brodie.
Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Brodie family and friends.
📰 https://t.co/lD5Bn01T4R pic.twitter.com/Xw85WJZGbO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 23, 2026
Brodie, a San Francisco native, spent his college career at Stanford. He lettered in both football and golf and was named unanimous All-American. He then landed with the 49ers as the third overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft.
The Bay Area native made sporadic starts in the first four seasons of his career before becoming the full-time starter in 1961. He ultimately appeared in 201 games, starting 159, while throwing for 31,548 yards and 214 touchdowns. Three times, he led the league in passing yards (1965, 1968, 1970).
The 1970 season stands out as a career best for the late 49ers QB. Brodie led the team to a 10-3-1 regular-season record. The 49ers then defeated the Vikings in the divisional round of the playoffs before losing 17-10 to the Cowboys in the conference championship game.
Brodie was named First-Team All-Pro and he earned his second Pro Bowl nomination in 1970. He was also named League MVP.
One season later, he led the 49ers to the playoffs once again. The team defeated the Redskins — now the Commanders — in the divisional round but fell to the Cowboys once again in the conference championship.
Brodie ultimately retired from the NFL after the 1973 season. The 49ers then retired his jersey number, 12.
He walked away from the league with the most passing yards in franchise history. He is now second behind Joe Montana (35,124). His 214 passing touchdowns are the third-most in franchise history behind Montana (244) and Steve Young (221).
