John Beake, the longtime Denver Broncos executive who helped build five Super Bowl rosters, has died at 87. The team announced his passing on Saturday. It called him a respected leader of one of the franchise’s most successful eras. His biggest achievement came in his final two years as general manager. Denver won back-to-back titles in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
How John Beake Shaped the Broncos
The Broncos said Beake made an “enduring impact” over more than two decades. The team said he helped guide Denver to five Super Bowl appearances. He stayed influential through his work with the NFL and the Broncos Ring of Fame Committee.
In total, John Beake spent 22 years with the organisation. That included 14 seasons as general manager, from 1985 to 1999. The team offered condolences to his wife, Marcia, his sons, Chip and Chris, and the entire Beake family.
From New Jersey to the NFL
Beake was a New Jersey native who lettered in football, baseball and track. At Trenton State College, he played football. He then earned a master’s degree from Penn State University. His NFL career began as an offensive assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints.
Denver hired him in 1979 as director of pro personnel. Over the next several years, he became director of player personnel. He was promoted to general manager in 1985. Along the way, Beake also played a role in the 1983 trade for quarterback John Elway.
Super Bowl Heartbreaks and Back-to-Back Titles
Denver reached three Super Bowls in Beake’s first five years as general manager. All three ended in lopsided losses. The Giants won Super Bowl XXI, 39-20. Washington took Super Bowl XXII, 42-10. The 49ers won Super Bowl XXIV, 55-10.
The roster changed constantly over that stretch. Head coaches moved from Dan Reeves to Wade Phillips to Mike Shanahan. Hall of Famers Terrell Davis and Shannon Sharpe arrived. So did receiver Rod Smith, an undrafted free agent in 1994. Beake and Elway remained the constants through all of that change.
Under John Beake, the Broncos finally broke through. They went 12-4 in 1997 and won the franchise’s first Super Bowl. A 14-2 record followed the next season. Denver won all three playoff games by double digits.
Life After the General Manager Role
After the second title, Beake became the Broncos’ vice president of administration. He later joined the NFL league office as vice president of player development. He also served as managing director of NFL Europe’s football operations. In retirement, John Beake joined the Broncos Ring of Fame Committee. That role helped preserve the legacy of the franchise he helped build.
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FAQs
Who was John Beake?
John Beake was a longtime Denver Broncos executive. He served as general manager from 1985 to 1999 and spent 22 years with the organisation.
How old was John Beake when he died?
The team announced that he died at 87.
What did Beake win with the Broncos?
Beake helped build the teams that won back-to-back Super Bowls, XXXII and XXXIII. Denver reached five Super Bowls during his time with the club.
Who survives him?
He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and his sons, Chip and Chris.