Bobby Beathard died Monday at the age of 86 after suffering from Alzheimer’s for recent years.
Beathard spent 11 seasons as Washington’s general manager from 1978-88 before joining the Bolts. Under his tenure, Washington captured a pair of Super Bowl titles (XVII, XXII).
Bobby Beathard, Hall of Fame football executive, dies at 86 https://t.co/Ajy9LhNRV8
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 1, 2023
Beathard was in Washington from 1978 to 1988, including the hiring of Gibbs, as well as the signing of some of the franchise’s best-known players, names like Dexter Manley, Art Monk, and Darrell Green, as well as the bulk of the “Hogs” offensive line.
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 1, 2023
He also worked for the Chargers from 1990 to 2000, including the franchise’s lone Super Bowl appearance. The Bolts went 11-5 and won the AFC West in 1994 before pulling off a pair of thrilling playoff wins to reach Super Bowl XXIX.
Dean Spanos, the Chargers Owner/Chairman of the Board, released the following statement.
“Bobby was one of the best judges of football talent in NFL history. For most, that alone would be enough. For Bobby Beathard, it doesn’t nearly do the man justice.
“Bobby was who we all aspire to be – a friendly, caring, giving, thoughtful human being who brought people from all walks of life together. He was the best GM in football; but he was also the guy sitting on his surfboard in the ocean that you caught waves with, jogged trails alongside and chatted up in the check-out line of the local market.
“He was the guy you felt like you’d known your entire life, even if it wasn’t but for five minutes at the gas station. He was just a regular guy who happened to be anything but. Bobby was, in fact, exceptional.
“He was one-of-a-kind. And he will be incredibly missed. On behalf of my family and the Chargers organization, we want to extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Christine, and the entire Beathard family on the loss of one of the best to ever do it, be it football or life.”