April 25, 2000

BOBBY BEATHARD, who helped guide the San Diego Chargers to Super Bowl XXIX as well as two AFC Western Division Championships and three playoff appearances during his 10 years as general manager, retired today after 37 years in the National Football League.

"Bobby was the catalyst for the success we had during the ‘90s," said Chargers President DEAN SPANOS. "He hired the players and people who helped this team reach a level unprecedented in team history. More importantly, he carried himself with a level of class and professionalism that helped everyone here at the Chargers enjoy being part of our team. Not only am I proud to have worked with him, I’m proud to call him my friend."

"Hiring Bobby was the best thing we’ve ever done for this franchise," said Chargers Owner ALEX SPANOS. "He took us to the Super Bowl and to the playoffs three times. He showed us what it takes to be winners. His contributions to this team and the success we’ve had thanks to him will always hold a special place in our hearts."

Beathard received praise from NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

"Bobby Beathard was the consummate talent evaluator," said Tagliabue. "He helped build Super Bowl teams in four NFL cities, gaining the admiration of fans and colleagues along the way. In addition to his unique skill for scouting players, Bobby played an important role in helping us maintain a good working relationship with college football. We congratulate Bobby on 37 years of outstanding work."

"Coming to San Diego and helping this team get to the Super Bowl has been one of the personal highlights of my time in football," said Beathard. "Sharing the past 10 years with all the great people here at the Chargers and getting to work closely with Dean and Mr. Spanos has been just tremendous. Family is so important to Dean and his Dad. It was a tough decision, but it’s time for me to spend more time with my children and grandchildren."

When Alex Spanos named Beathard general manager of the Chargers January 3, 1990, it brought hope to a city thirsting for a winner. He turned the NFL’s oldest team of the 1970s - the Washington Redskins - into one of the most successful franchises of the 1980s. Prior to Beathard’s arrival in 1990, the Chargers had not made an appearance in postseason play since 1982. In just his third season in San Diego, the Chargers won their first AFC Western Division championship in more than a decade and, after five years, appeared in the team’s first Super Bowl. During his tenure, the Chargers went to the playoffs following the 1992, ’94 and ’95 seasons.

When the 1994 San Diego Chargers earned a trip to Super Bowl XXIX in Miami, Florida, it marked the seventh time a Beathard team had journeyed to the world championship. Four times his team produced a Super Bowl victory.

The 1966 Kansas City Chiefs...the 1972 and ’73 Miami Dolphins...the 1982, ’83 and ’87 Washington Redskins...and the 1994 San Diego Chargers were all products of Beathard’s handiwork. Though success has followed him through every step of his NFL career, Beathard remains one of the league’s most low-key personalities.