Brodie Stable After Stroke

The primary physician treating John Brodie said Thursday the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback is making slow but steady progress from a major stroke.

"He is in very serious but stable condition," said Dr. Khoi Le, a cardiologist at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, located near Palm Springs. "He is fully alert and very interactive with his family. Mr. Brodie has very supportive family and friends."

The 65-year-old Brodie was hospitalized early Tuesday. Le said Brodie's symptoms first appeared Monday night while he was watching the Miami Dolphins-New York Jets game.

"Mr. Brodie came to the emergency department at Eisenhower in critical condition," Le said. "When he first arrived, it was unclear if he had a cardiac event or a stroke. After I examined him, it was clear it was a stroke."

An emergency procedure was performed by Dr. Brian Herman, an interventional neuroradiologist at Eisenhower, to open two blocked vessels, Le said, calling the procedure successful.

"His family has remained at his side, and he has received many faxes, visits, flowers and phone calls," Le said. "He is aware of the outpouring of support and is very appreciative."

Earlier Thursday, Brodie's wife, Sue, issued a brief statement through the hospital, saying her husband was "stable and resting comfortably, but he's not ready to run a marathon."

Jerry Mertens, a teammate of Brodie's with the 49ers from 1958-65, said he had heard from Gordy Soltau's wife, Nancy, who had spoken with Brodie's wife. Soltau also played for the 49ers with Brodie.

"It sounded pretty bleak when I first heard about it," Mertens said from the Bay Area. "I really felt bad, but I'm a lot happier today, knowing there's a major improvement.

"From what I heard this morning, he's much improved. We send our prayers to John, Sue and the family."

Brodie's five children all traveled from out of town to be with their father. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler joined his wife, Diane, to be with his father-in-law, but returned to Atlanta in time to practice Thursday.

"It was pretty much a miracle he lived," Chandler said. "I'm glad I went out there. My wife was almost hysterical.

"He's starting to get some movement on his right side, which is encouraging. It's going to take a lot of rehab and a lot of time."

Atlanta coach Dan Reeves said Chandler will start when the Falcons (2-6) try to end a five-game losing streak Sunday against visiting Carolina (3-4).

The game plan was faxed to Chandler while he was in Californa, but he admitted it was difficult to concentrate once he returned, saying his mind was focused mostly on his wife and father-in-law during a two-hour practice.

"He's as much a father as I've had in my life, and very much a best friend, too," Chandler said. "He's got the will of 1,000 people, so if he puts his mind to it, he'll overcome it. Very rarely do people get back 100 percent of what they are."

Brodie played with the 49ers from 1957-73 after attending Stanford, and later played on the Senior PGA Tour, winning the 1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic.

His 31,548 passing yards rank second to Joe Montana on the San Francisco career passing list, and his 214 touchdown passes are the third-most in 49ers history, behind Montana and Steve Young.

Brodie won the NFL MVP award in 1970, and led the 49ers to the NFC Championship game in 1970 and 1971. The 49ers retired his No. 12 in 1973 after he retired from football.

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