The architect of Washington’s Super Bowl-winning teams has died.
Former Redskins general manager Bobby Beathard died Monday reportedly from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 86.
Beathard was a Hall of Fame executive who helped Washington win two Super Bowls in the 1980s and is credited with hiring legendary coach Joe Gibbs, then a little-known assistant coach with the San Diego Chargers. Beathard served as Washington’s general manager for 11 years, from 1978 to 1988.
Washington inducted Beathard into its Ring of Fame in 2016. The executive, who also served as general manager for the Chargers from 1990 to 2000, made the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Beathard drafted iconic Washington players such as receiver Art Monk and cornerback Darrell Green. Washington made the Super Bowl three times during his tenure.
“I was in the NFL a long time with a lot of teams, but our favorite memories were always with the Redskins,” Beathard said in 2016 when the team announced he was entering its Ring of Fame. “Our kids grew up in Virginia, they went to high school in Virginia and went to college at various places. … And in all my years in football, I have never, ever been in an area that has fans like the Redskins have.”
Before joining Washington, he spent time in the front offices of the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins. He also played football at California Polytechnic State University, serving as the program’s starting quarterback and a defensive back.
Beathard is survived by his wife Christine, his four children, his brother Pete and 13 grandchildren — one of whom is Jacksonville Jaguars backup quarterback C.J. Beathard.
The Washington Post first reported Beathard’s death.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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