Thursday, 21 November 2024

Bobby Beathard

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Football Executive
Statistics: 4 Super Bowls (VII, VIII, XVII & XXII)
2 The Sporting News Executive of the Year Awards (1982 & 1983)
Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Bobby Beathard knew a good football player when he saw one.

Beathard became a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966, and he left two years later to do the same role for the Atlanta Falcons. His name grew within NFL circles, and he landed the job of the director of player personnel with the Miami Dolphins, adding his expertise to an already talented team. The Dolphins won two Super Bowls while he was there, and he was ready for his next challenge, general manager of the Washington Redskins.

It was his work in Washington that would gain him entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Unafraid to trade picks no matter how high for the players he wanted, he assembled a team that would win two Super Bowls while he held that post. He took on a greater challenge when he accepted the general manager's job with the San Diego Chargers, and while Beathard did not gain a fifth Super Bowl ring, he reimagined a team from doormats to winners, and the Chargers won their first AFC Championship (1994) under him.

We are proud to nominate Bobby Beathard for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.