For a San Francisco 49ers franchise rich in its history at the quarterback position, John Brodie was one of the first to establish that tradition of sensational signal-callers.
Brodie played in parts of three decades for the Niners, totaling a franchise-record 17 seasons, leading San Francisco to back-to-back NFC Championship Games in 1970-71 and winning the NFL MVP in 1970.
The longest-tenured 49er of them all, Brodie died on Friday at the age of 90, the team announced.
"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."
In a steeped San Francisco history that saw Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Steve Young lead the 49ers to Super Bowl triumphs and others before -- such as Frankie Albert and Y.A. Tittle -- and since such as Jeff Garcia, Colin Kaepernick and Brock Purdy leave their marks, Brodie left his own indelible chapter on the franchise.
He was the first 49ers player to win the league MVP when he led the NFL with 2,941 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 1970, captaining the Niners to an NFC West title and a run to the conference title game, where they fell to the rival Dallas Cowboys.
Brodie's No. 12 is retired by the 49ers along with other franchise icons such as the aforementioned Montana, Young, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and Bob St. Clair. He was a member of the inaugural Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame class of 2009.
At the conclusion of his 17 seasons in The Bay, he had completed 2,469 passes for 31,548 yards and 214 touchdowns. His yardage total remains second in team history behind only Montana, with his TDs third behind Montana and Young.
Brodie was a two-time Pro Bowler and the 1965 AP Comeback Player of the Year.
A hometown boy made great, Brodie was born Aug. 14, 1935, in San Francisco. He went on to become an All-American at Stanford, but that was in golf. He chose the gridiron over the links and was selected No. 3 overall in the 1957 NFL Draft by the 49ers.
He didn't play much over his first few years, splitting time with Tittle before the veteran was traded to the New York Giants. Through the 1960s, Brodie was the constant for the 49ers starting under center
He captured his first of three passing titles in 1965 with a career-best 3,112 yards. His 30 touchdown tosses that year were also career and league highs.
Following his sterling '65 showing, Brodie received a big raise from the 49ers after the AFL's Houston Oilers had tried to lure him away.
Brodie's career spanned from 1957 through 1973 with 201 games played (158 starts).
After his playing career, Brodie worked for NBC Sports as an NFL and golf analyst. He eventually returned to the links professionally on the Senior PGA Tour.
Though his number had been retired by the 49ers, his friend and golfing pal, Trent Dilfer, donned No. 12 in his final NFL season of 2007.
Brodie's long been regarded as a Hall of Fame snub and Dilfer hoped perhaps reintroducing his name into the news cycle would help his candidacy. More so, he wanted to honor his friend.
"It's probably the biggest honor of my career to this point," said Dilfer in July of 2006. "J.B. has been one of the biggest influences on my career. As soon as I got traded, it wasn't five minutes when I called and asked if he would be honored by this."
Long before Montana and Young delighted the 49er Faithful, Brodie dazzled on Sundays at Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park. For one of the NFL's most decorated franchises, his name remains high up in statistical splendor, his number retired and his legend living on each autumn.
