Ex-Broncos, 49ers Executive Neal Dahlen Dies at 85

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

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:15am

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Longtime NFL executive Neal Dahlen, known for his success in building championship teams, has passed away at the age of 85. Dahlen had a storied career, winning 7 Super Bowls - tying Tom Brady for the second-most in NFL history. He is best remembered for his work with the San Francisco 49ers, where he helped draft and build teams that won 3 Super Bowls, and the Denver Broncos, where he won 2 more Super Bowls.

Why it matters

Dahlen's passing marks the end of an era for the NFL, as he was one of the most successful and influential executives in league history. His ability to identify and build championship-caliber teams is unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to shape the game for years to come.

The details

Dahlen served in various roles with the 49ers from 1979 to 1996, including being a vocal supporter of drafting Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. He was also instrumental in the 49ers' draft success in the 1980s, helping the team select players like Charles Haley and John Taylor. In the 1994 offseason, Dahlen made the key move of signing Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, which helped the 49ers win another Super Bowl. Dahlen then moved on to the Denver Broncos, where he served as Director of Player Personnel from 1996 to 1998 and as General Manager from 1999 to 2001, winning two more Super Bowls.

  • Dahlen served with the 49ers from 1979 to 1996.
  • Dahlen helped the 49ers draft Jerry Rice in 1985.
  • Dahlen signed Deion Sanders for the 49ers in 1994.
  • Dahlen worked for the Broncos from 1996 to 2001, winning two Super Bowls.
  • Dahlen passed away on February 19, 2026 at the age of 85.

The players

Neal Dahlen

A longtime NFL executive who won 7 Super Bowls, tying him with Tom Brady for the second-most in NFL history. He is best known for his work with the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, where he helped build championship-caliber teams.

Jerry Rice

A Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers. Dahlen was a vocal supporter of drafting Rice, who played at the HBCU Mississippi Valley State University, and helped the 49ers select him in the 1985 NFL Draft.

Bill Walsh

The legendary head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who worked alongside Dahlen to draft Jerry Rice and build the 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s.

Deion Sanders

A Hall of Fame cornerback who Dahlen signed for the 49ers in the 1994 offseason, helping the team win another Super Bowl.

John Elway

The legendary quarterback of the Denver Broncos, whom Dahlen helped the team find a successor for during his time as Broncos General Manager from 1999 to 2001.

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What they’re saying

“Bill could see Jerry was something special; that he could transform the 49ers' passing game. His thinking was, 'just get Rice. Do what you have to do to get him.'”

— Neal Dahlen

The takeaway

Dahlen's passing marks the end of an era for the NFL, as he was one of the most successful and influential executives in league history. His ability to identify and build championship-caliber teams, including drafting Hall of Famers like Jerry Rice and signing Deion Sanders, is unparalleled and will continue to shape the game for years to come.