Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey, a legend of the City of Brotherly Love, passed away yesterday at the age of 79, and the world of sports is paying tribute to him.
After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad. pic.twitter.com/RTLln3UA8o
— Jake Bergey (@Bergey66) December 25, 2024
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Bergey’s son Jake posted an image of his father on social media as a sad announcement, with the caption reading, “After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad.”
RIP my Hall of Fame teammate Bill Bergey.
Bill was a great player and even better person!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bergey family!
Bubba was special! pic.twitter.com/MOh7XfvkOH— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) December 25, 2024
Bergey was born in South Dayton, New York, in 1945, and was a standout athlete from a young age. He played football at Arkansas State University under coach Bernie Ellender and became an All-American. H is still regarded as one of the greatest players in the school’s history, having been named the Top Player in Arkansas State history by fans.
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Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1969, Bergey had a brief stint with the team, earning a Pro Bowl selection before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1974. In Philadelphia, his career flourished. Bergey quickly became a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense and one of the most beloved players of his era.
Over seven seasons, he was a five-time All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and a three-time team MVP. His stellar play helped him earn recognition as the NFL’s runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year in 1974.
Bergey finished his Eagles career with nearly 1,200 tackles and 27 interceptions, including a standout five-pick season in 1974.
Bergey’s defensive prowess helped propel the Eagles to prominence in the mid-1970s, earning him multiple Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro selections throughout the decade.
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His leadership on the field was integral to the Eagles’ success, particularly during their Super Bowl XV appearance in 1980. Though he played all 16 games that season, Bergey was forced to retire shortly after due to a chronic knee injury.
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released a statement praising Bergey:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. An Eagles all-time great, Bill was a legendary linebacker who gained the respect of players and coaches across the league for his blue-collar work ethic and hard-nosed play. He was rightfully inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1988. Bill exemplified what it meant to be an Eagle in every way, and proudly represented the team in the community well after his playing days were over. We will all miss him dearly and extend our deepest condolences to the entire Bergey family.”
