Pro Football Hall of Fame Executive Bobby Bethard has passed away at the age of 86 years old according to his son. He passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. Beathard began his career in the NFL as a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 and was then a scout for the Atlanta Falcons from 1968 to 1971. He then served as the Director of Player personnel for the Miami Dolphins from 1972 to 1977. The Washington franchise hired him to be their General Manager in 1978 and he served there until 1988. He finished out his career as the General Manager of the San Deigo Chargers from 1990 to 2000.
We are saddened to share the news that Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Beathard has passed away at age 86. #HOFForever
More Info: https://t.co/c2w422KGaJ pic.twitter.com/xRQTrrYjug
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 1, 2023
The Washington Commanders released the following statement about the passing of their former General Manager: “Bobby was a man of extraordinary class and integrity and was the architect behind the greatest teams in this organization’s history. He cared deeply about everyone he worked with and always put the team first. Bobby is rightfully enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Washington Ring of Fame and will go down as one of the greatest executives in NFL history. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Christine, children Kurt, Casey, Jeff, and Jaime along with the entire Beathard family. Bobby’s impact on our franchise and community will never be forgotten.”
Bobby Beathard was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 2018 class. The NFL executive was on four different Super Bowl teams in his long career including the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins team. His best work came as the General Manager of Washington. Along with the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, he is also in the Washington Commanders and Ring of Fame and the Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame. He was truly one of football’s brightest minds. We here at Def Pen Sports have his family and friends in our thoughts at this time.
