Jan. 23, 2026, 7:52 p.m. ET

San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie (12) throws the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the 1970 NFC championship game at Kezar Stadium.

One of the great and most adored San Francisco 49ers, quarterback John Brodie died at the age of 90 on Friday. Brodie played high school ball in the Bay Area and went to Stanford before becoming a 49er with the third pick in the 1957 NFL draft. He played 17 seasons for San Francisco and was league MVP in 1970 when the Niners went 10-3-1. Overall, Brodie threw for 31,548 yards with 214 touchdown passes.

“The 49ers family is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the franchise’s all-time great players, John Brodie,” co-chairman Dr. John York said in a team statement. “As a kid, my 49ers fandom began by watching John play quarterback on television. He displayed an incredible commitment toward his teammates, and his support of the organization never wavered after his playing days. … We express our deepest condolences to his wife, Sue, and the entire Brodie family.”

John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Dallas Cowboys.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie (12) in action during the 1978 season.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Detroit Lions at Tiger Stadium.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie (12) turns to handoff to Billy Kilmer (17) against the Los Angeles Rams at Memorial Coliseum.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie on the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams at the Memorial Coliseum.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Los Angeles Rams.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie (12) in action.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers head coach Red Hickey (center) on the sideline with John Brodie (12), Hugh McElhenny (39), Y.A. Tittle (14), and Gorden Kelly (83).John BrodieLos Angeles Rams defensive end Deacon Jones hits San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action during the 1967 season.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie at the line of scrimmage against Washington.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie talks to Dick Nolan.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie on the sidelines during the 1968 season.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers former quarterback Y.A. TITTLE (left) talks with quarterback John Brodie (12).John BrodieJohn Brodie hands the ball off to running back J.D. Smith (24) during the 1961 season.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie at the line of scrimmage against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie is brought down during a preseason game by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Roger Brown (78) and Diron Talbert (72).John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kezar Stadium.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Dallas Cowboys during the 1970 NFC championship game at Kezar Stadium.John BrodieSan Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie in action against the Los Angeles Rams at Kezar Stadium.