A quarterback for Stanford University and the San Francisco 49ers, Brodie was one of the most prolific and accurate passers in football. Named All-American in 1956 for leading the nation in pass attempts, completions, completion percentage, yardage and touchdowns, he joined the 49ers in 1957 and led the NFL in completion percentage three times. He was named NFL Player of the Year in 1970 when he led his team to the NFC Championship Game. After retirement, he became a television commentator on pro football and golf, and had a successful career on the PGA Senior Tour.

A record-breaker at every level of football, Brodie was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.