Denver Broncos Mourning Loss Of Legendary GM John Beake

LOS ANGELES,CA-CIRCA 1986:Dan Reeves head coach of the Denver Broncos discusses strategy with John Elway in a game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Coliseum circa 1986 in Los Angeles,California. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos Mourning Loss Of Legendary GM John Beake

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 5:58 PM ET

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During John Elway’s 16-year run with the Denver Broncos from 1983 to his retirement after the 1998 season, the team was a dominant force that regularly won their division. One of the architects to those two decades of dominance was John Beake, who has passed away at the age of 87.

On Saturday, the Broncos confirmed Beake’s passing and issued a statement paying tribute to their former general manager and executive. Beake is credited with building the Broncos teams that reached five Super Bowls between 1986 and 1998.

“The Broncos are saddened by the passing of longtime executive John Beake, who made an enduring impact on our organization during more than two decades with the team,” the organization said in a statement. “John helped guide the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, including back-to-back World Championships, and was a respected leader throughout one of the most successful eras in franchise history. Following his time in Denver, he remained an influential figure through his work with the NFL and on the Broncos Ring of Fame Committee. Our deepest condolences are with his wife, Marcia, his sons, Chip and Chris, and the entire Beake family.”

We’re saddened by the loss of former Broncos General Manager John Beake, who passed away at the age of 87.

Beake, who was with the Broncos from 1979-2000, guided the organization’s front office to five Super Bowl appearances, including our back-to-back victories in SB XXXII & SB… pic.twitter.com/8jwvxpSxez
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 17, 2026

John Beake’s Broncos

Beake’s football career began as an assistant coach in the early 1960s, starting as a graduate assistant at Penn State and eventually reaching the pros with the Chiefs and Saints. He served as the offensive backfield coach of the 1969 Chiefs, winning Super Bowl IV under Hank Stram’s leadership in the final game before the AFL-NFL merger.

Beake then transitioned to working in the front office with the Denver Broncos in 1979, rising to director of player personnel in 1981 and assistant general manager in 1984. He was promoted to full general manager in February 1985 and in less than two years had the team in the first of back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.