Bobby Beathard, Pro Football Hall of Fame executive, dies at 86

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Professional Football Hall of Fame executive Bobby Beathard has died at his home in Franklin, Tenn., at the age of 86, according to a Washington Post report.

Beathard, one of the most accomplished executives in NFL history, helped create four championship teams as a member of the front office. After beginning his career as a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, Beathard served as director of player personnel for the Miami Dolphins from 1972 to 1977, and the team won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1973 and 1974.

Beathard became the general manager of the Washington Commanders in 1978, and he again built a pair of Super Bowl-winning teams. Under Beathard’s leadership, the Commanders won Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XXII. Washington also went to Super Bowl XVIII in 1983 but lost to the Los Angeles Raiders.

After his tenure with the Commanders, Beathard became the general manager of the San Diego Chargers in 1990. While in San Diego, Beathard nearly added another Super Bowl to his resume when the Chargers went to Super Bowl XXIX, a game they hurt. until losing to the San Francisco 49ers.

Beathard retired in 2000 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.