Neal Dahlen (April 13, 1940 – February 15, 2026) was an American football administrator, who worked for San Francisco 49ers (1979–1996), and the Denver Broncos (1996–2003), and was general manager of the Broncos from 1999 to January 2002.(January 29, 2002). Broncos' GM has AFA ties/ Denver promotes alum Sundquist, The Gazette (Colorado Springs), Retrieved December 2, 2010 ("He replaces Neal Dahlen, general manager since 1999, who becomes the team's director of football administration.")
Dahlen's seven Super Bowl rings are tied with Tom Brady for the second most in NFL history, only trailing Bill Belichick by one. He earned five with the 49ers, and two during his time at the Broncos.(August 23, 1998). Broncos' Dahlen succeeds like clockwork: Lucky 7th ring perfect fit for player-personnel guru , The Denver Post, Retrieved December 2, 2010(August 4, 1999). Vikings perplexed by vanishing rookie , USA Today, Retrieved December 2, 2010 ("But when it comes to NFL jewelry, [Neal] Dahlen can top anyone in the league. Dahlen has more Super Bowl rings -- seven -- than anyone in history.")
Life and career Dahlen was born on April 13, 1940. He attended Capuchino High School in San Bruno, California. He then played quarterback at San Jose State University, where he graduated from in 1963 (and earned a master's in 1964).Denver Broncos 2002 Media Guide , p.36 (2002), Retrieved December 2, 2010 He then coached baseball and football at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo,(June 17, 2003). Ringmaster , San Mateo County Times, Retrieved December 2, 2010 as well as at the College of San Mateo.
He started working part-time for the 49ers in 1979, and earned increasing administrative responsibilities. He moved to Denver in 1996 to become director of player personnel, and later was named general manager in 1999. Ted Sundquist replaced him in early 2002, and Dahlen became the team's director of football administration until he retired the following year.(March 6, 1996). PERSONNEL EXPERT LEAVES 49ERS TO JOIN BRONCO , Rocky Mountain News, Retrieved December 2, 1996
Dahlen died on February 15, 2026, at the age of 85.
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External links Executive profile at Pro Football Reference