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Former Denver Broncos general manager John Beake has passed away at the age of 87, the team announced on Saturday. Beake played a major role in building the teams that won consecutive Super Bowl championships following the 1997 and 1998 seasons, while also contributing to several other successful campaigns during his time in Denver.
Beake spent more than two decades with the Broncos after joining the organization in 1979. He held several front-office positions, including director of pro personnel and director of player personnel, before becoming general manager in the mid-1980s. During his tenure in that position, Denver compiled a 152-86-1 overall record, secured seven division titles and reached the playoffs 12 times. The franchise also made five Super Bowl appearances during his time as general manager.
One of Beake’s biggest contributions came in 1983, when the Broncos acquired quarterback John Elway from the Baltimore Colts after he was selected first overall in the NFL Draft. Beake was involved in the negotiations while serving as Denver’s director of player personnel. Although he described himself as a supporting figure in the discussions, the acquisition recast the contours of the team’s future. Elway subsequently spent all 16 seasons of his Hall of Fame playing career with Denver and retired as the franchise’s all-time passing leader.
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Under head coach Dan Reeves, the Broncos reached the Super Bowl three times in four years during the late 1980s but lost each appearance. Denver eventually broke through under Mike Shanahan, winning Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII after the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
The first of those championships also gave Beake a distinctive place in NFL history. He became the first upper-level administrator to win Super Bowl titles in both coaching and administrative roles. He had previously earned a championship with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV after working as an offensive assistant under Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram.
Before joining the Broncos, Beake coached the Chiefs from 1968 to 1974 and the New Orleans Saints from 1976 to 1977. He also served as Colorado State’s offensive coordinator in 1975. His NFL career lasted approximately 35 years.
Following his departure from Denver’s front office, Beake joined the NFL league office, working in player development and NFL Europe’s football operations. He later became vice president of football development and operations before retiring in 2004. He remained involved with the Broncos afterward through the team’s Ring of Fame committee.
A New Jersey native and Penn State graduate, Beake was also inducted into the Trenton State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1982.
Beake is survived by his wife, Marcia; sons Chip and Chris; and seven grandchildren. His daughter, Jerilyn, preceded him in death.
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