Chris Chandler hugs his father-in-law, 49ers legend John Brodie, after winning a celebrity golf tournament.
After winning the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament last weekend at Lake Tahoe, former NFL quarterback Chris Chandler dedicated the victory to his father-in-law, former 49ers quarterback John Brodie.
Brodie, who was on hand to see Chandler’s tournament victory, has continued to make strides in his recovery from a near-fatal stroke suffered seven years ago. His speech and ability to move his right leg have improved markedly in recent months after two stem-cell treatments in Russia.
“From the night it happened to where he is now, it’s a small miracle,” said Chandler, who is married to Brodie’s daughter Diane. “I’m sure there is a level of frustration that he fights every day. But I think as time goes on, he’s showing his strength as a person to hang in there and enjoy life as he can. He’s as tough as nails.”
Chandler said Brodie, 71, plans to have another stem-cell treatment soon. He’s hoping to add to the limited mobility in the right arm that led the 49ers to three consecutive division titles in the 1970s.
Contact Dennis Georgatos at dgeorgatos@mercurynews.com
