Former Niners QB John Brodie, 1970 NFL MVP, dies at age 90 - ESPN

John Brodie, who won an MVP award and was one of the NFL's most prolific passers during a 17-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, has died. He was 90.

Brodie's family said he died Friday, according to the 49ers. Brodie had a stroke on Oct. 24, 2000.

«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 John York said. «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 played for the 49ers from 1957 to 1973 after breaking every major passing record at Stanford. He later played on what is now the PGA Tour Champions and won the 1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic.

Brodie's 17 seasons are still a 49ers franchise record, and his 31,548 yards passing rank second to Joe Montana on San Francisco's career passing list. When Brodie retired after the 1973 season, he trailed only Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton on the NFL's career yards passing list.

His 214 touchdown passes are third behind Montana and Steve Young in team history.

«He was a great guy, a super competitor, I don't care what it was: football, cards, golf,» said Jerry Mertens, a cornerback for the 49ers from 1958 to 1965. «He was a great player, and he enjoyed all the things that were competitive.

»The guy just did it all, and he was a great leader, there's no question about that."

Brodie won the NFL MVP award in 1970, when