John Brodie cause of death: Former 49ers MVP quarterback passes away at 90

The death of a football legend has created a profound silence on the field of San Francisco and the whole NFL. John Brodie was not just another quarter back in another era. He represented the element of consistency, hardness, and faithfulness at the period when the league was yet discovering its current identity.

The passing of a 90-year-old player is the end of an era of a player who had an impact that was much more than statistics and box scores.Brodie was the symbol of stability in change to generations of 49ers fans. He performed in the period when Super Bowls were not used to mark legacies, but his presence is imprinted in the history of the franchise. Whenever leadership, longevity, and silent superiority in a crisis are discussed, his name continues to be mentioned.NFL MVP and longtime 49ers star John Brodie passes away at 90John Brodie spent his entire 17 year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, a franchise record that still stands. The team confirmed he died Friday, with his family noting he had suffered a stroke in 2000. Brodie won the NFL MVP award in 1970 and retired as one of the most productive passers the league had ever seen.“The 49ers family is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the franchise’s all-time great players, John Brodie,” said team co-chairman John York.

“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.“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’s numbers still resonate. His 31,548 passing yards rank second in franchise history behind Joe Montana, and his 214 touchdown passes remain third all time for the team.

He led the NFL in passing yards three times and earned multiple All Pro honors.Those who played alongside him remember more than stats. “He was a great guy, a super competitor, I don’t care what it was: football, cards, golf,” former teammate Jerry Mertens said. “The guy just did it all, and he was a great leader, there’s no question about that.”After football, Brodie thrived as a broadcaster and elite golfer, even winning on the senior tour. Few athletes have lived so fully in competition. Even fewer left behind a legacy as complete.