Bill Bergey, the renowned linebacker admired by Philadelphia Eagles fans for his determination on the field in the 1970s, passed away yesterday at the age of 79 after a three-year battle with cancer, his family confirmed. As reported by NBC Philadelphia, Jake Bergey, Bill’s son and a former professional lacrosse player, shared the news on X, saying, "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."
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
Bill Bergey, a standout in five Pro Bowls and a key player in the Eagles' 1980 Super Bowl run, left a lasting impact on the team. Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles' Chairman and CEO, said to WHYY, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. As an Eagles all-time great, Bill was a legendary linebacker who gained the respect of the players and coaches across the league for his blue collar work ethic and his hard-nosed play. He was rightly 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.
Bergey’s professional football career began when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals out of Arkansas State in 1969, before joining the Eagles in 1974 after a trade. He received notable accolades, including First Team All-Pro honors in 1974 and 1975 and Second Team All-Pro in the following three years until 1978. His time with the Eagles was marked not only by impressive interception and sack totals but also by a strong connection with the city's fans, which Bergey expressed in 2023, saying, "I’ve always had a love affair with the fans of Philadelphia," as shared in an interview with FOX 29.
