BREAKING: Broncos GM John Beake Dies at 87

RIP to the man behind Denver's golden era. John Beake has died at 87, the Broncos announced Saturday. He ran the Broncos' front office for 14 years (1985-99) — five Super Bowl trips, seven division titles, and back-to-back world championships in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.

Before he was GM, Beake was in the room for the 1983 trade that brought John Elway to Denver — the deal that defined the franchise for two decades. After Denver, he joined the NFL league office, rising to vice president of football development and operations.

Not the name on the trophy, but the hand that built it. Rest easy.

Sources: AP, Denver Broncos official statement, Pro Football Rumors.