Former Broncos GM Neal Dahlen Dies at 85

Dahlen won 7 Super Bowl titles, tying Tom Brady for the second-most in NFL history.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Neal Dahlen, the former general manager of the Denver Broncos who won 7 Super Bowl titles over his career, has passed away at the age of 85. Dahlen held the record for most Super Bowl wins by an individual until Bill Belichick surpassed him, and he was known for his work with legendary quarterbacks like Joe Montana, Steve Young, and John Elway.

Why it matters

Dahlen's passing marks the end of an era for the Broncos and the NFL, as he was one of the most successful executives in league history. His ability to build championship-caliber teams and work with elite quarterbacks cemented his legacy as one of the greatest talent evaluators and team builders the sport has ever seen.

The details

Dahlen worked for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1996, winning 5 Super Bowls during that time. He then joined the Broncos in 1996 as the director of player personnel, helping the team win their first two Super Bowl titles. Dahlen later served as the Broncos' general manager from 1999 to 2001 before finishing his career as the director of football administration.

  • Dahlen worked for the 49ers from 1979 to 1996.
  • Dahlen joined the Broncos in 1996 as the director of player personnel.
  • Dahlen served as the Broncos' general manager from 1999 to 2001.
  • Dahlen finished his career as the Broncos' director of football administration.
  • Dahlen passed away on February 19, 2026 at the age of 85.

The players

Neal Dahlen

The former general manager of the Denver Broncos who won 7 Super Bowl titles over his career, tying Tom Brady for the second-most in NFL history.

Joe Montana

The legendary quarterback who Dahlen worked with during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

Steve Young

The legendary quarterback who Dahlen worked with during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

John Elway

The legendary quarterback who Dahlen worked with during his time with the Denver Broncos.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the New England Patriots who surpassed Dahlen's record for most Super Bowl titles by an individual.

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What they’re saying

“I attribute my good fortune to three key elements: Joe Montana, Steve Young and John Elway.”

— Neal Dahlen (Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

Dahlen's passing marks the end of an era for the Broncos and the NFL, as he was one of the most successful executives in league history. His ability to build championship-caliber teams and work with elite quarterbacks cemented his legacy as one of the greatest talent evaluators and team builders the sport has ever seen.