John Brodie, who played his 17-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1970, died Friday morning. He was 90.
“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. “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.”
Brodie was also a two-time Pro Bowler and won the Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 1965. He became the fourth player in 49ers history to have his jersey retired.
Long before Brodie won the MVP award and guided the 49ers to back-to-back NFC Championship Games, the fans at Kezar Stadium booed him mercilessly.
“I’d have heard ’em if I was down at Third and Market,” Brodie said after a game against the Denver Broncos in 1972 at Candlestick Park. “I can’t turn off my ears.”
Brodie was selected No. 3 in the 1957 NFL Draft out of Stanford and played a then-franchise-best 201 games for the 49ers, more than Joe Montana (167) and Steve Young (150).
“The highest tribute that can be paid a quarterback is that he strikes a little fear into whatever defensive team he faces,” former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry said during Brodie’s career. “Brodie does that. I marvel at the way he has now mastered the art of the quarterback.”
Brodie grew up in Oakland as a kid who was good at everything. That part never changed: He would one day become a champion golfer on the Senior PGA Tour, play in the World Dominoes Championships, and, by all accounts, was daunting in ping-pong, backgammon and bowling.
There was, however, no mistaking his true calling. Brodie took over as the 49ers’ leading man after playing behind Y.A. Tittle sparingly in four seasons. Tittle was traded to the New York Giants in 1961.
Brodie initially served as the poster boy for frustration. The 49ers missed the playoffs every season from 1958 to 1969, creating restlessness among a fan base that Sports Illustrated once described as the “Kezar Cruelty Brigade.”
During that decade, Brodie played hot and cold. In 1965, he led the NFL in completion percentage (61.9), passing yards (3,112) and passing touchdowns (30). A year later, he threw 22 interceptions against just 16 touchdowns.
Brodie ranks No. 2 in franchise passing yards (31,548) behind Montana (35,124). Brodie (214), Montana (244) and Steve Young (221) are the only quarterbacks in 49ers history with 200 or more passing touchdowns.
Yet, Brodie always remembered the boos.
“All week long they catch hell from their bosses and maybe sometimes from their wives,” he said. “They get all jammed up. Who could blame them? One day a week, they get out to the game and all of a sudden, they’re my bosses. They can shout whatever they want. OK, let ’em.”
By the time Brodie retired — from football — he ranked third in NFL history in career passing yards, trailing Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton. Brodie had a second career to come. After he turned 50, he totaled over $735,000 in career earnings on the Senior PGA Tour, racking up one win and 12 top-10 finishes between 1985 and 1998.