Former Broncos GM John Beake, Architect of Back-to-Back Super Bowl Teams, Dies at 87

John Beake, who served as Denver Broncos general manager during the team's Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII victories, died at age 87.

Former Denver Broncos general manager John Beake died at age 87, the team announced on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Beake spent over two decades with the organization starting in 1979, eventually leading the front office during a period that included five Super Bowl appearances and consecutive world championships following the 1997 and 1998 seasons.

Beake assumed the general manager role in 1983, the same year he helped engineer the trade with the Baltimore Colts to acquire quarterback John Elway. Under his leadership, the franchise secured victories in Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. He remained with the team until 2000, finishing his tenure as the vice president of administration before moving to the NFL league office.

During his time at the league level, Beake served as the vice president of player development and managing director of football operations for NFL Europe. His career prior to joining Denver included stints as an offensive assistant under Hall of Famer Hank Stram for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1968 to 1974 and the New Orleans Saints from 1976 to 1977. The Broncos confirmed his passing through his family, though no cause of death was provided.