John Beake, a longtime NFL coach and executive who helped guide the Denver Broncos to their first two Super Bowl championships, has died. He was 87.
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The Broncos announced his death Saturday, October 17, remembering a leader who spent 22 years with the organization, including 14 as general manager.
"John helped guide the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, including back-to-back World Championships, and was a respected leader throughout one of the most successful eras in franchise history," the team said in a statement.
Beake joined Denver in 1979 and held several personnel positions before becoming general manager. He helped complete the 1983 trade for John Elway, the future Hall of Fame quarterback who eventually led the Broncos to consecutive championships.
Denver won seven division titles and reached the playoffs 12 times during Beake's tenure. He served as general manager for the franchise's victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
We're saddened by the loss of former Broncos General Manager John Beake, who passed away at the age of 87.
Beake, who was with the Broncos from 1979-2000, guided the organization's front office to five Super Bowl appearances, including our back-to-back victories in SB XXXII & SB… pic.twitter.com/8jwvxpSxez
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 17, 2026
His championship history began decades earlier. As an offensive assistant under Hank Stram, Beake helped the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl IV. He also coached under Stram with the New Orleans Saints before moving into personnel work.
After his time in Denver, Beake joined the NFL's league office, working in player development and football operations. He later remained connected to the Broncos through their Ring of Fame committee.
Beake spent more than 30 years working in the NFL and more than four decades in football.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia, sons Chip and Chris, and seven grandchildren. His daughter, Jerilyn, preceded him in death.
