Bill Bergey, the former NFL linebacker known for his tough play with the 1970s Philadelphia Eagles, has died after a battle with jaw cancer. He was 79.
The South Dayton, New York native's death was announced by his son Jake Bergey.
"After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer," he wrote on X. "The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad."
Bergey played college football at Arkansas State before getting drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1969. His career reached new heights with the Eagles, where he recorded nearly 1,200 tackles and four of his five career Pro Bowls.
He helped the Eagles get to their first Super Bowl in 1981, under coach Dick Vermeil. The Eagles lost to the Oakland Raiders in what proved to be Bergey's last game.
On the field, Bergey became known for a rugged blue-collar work ethic that won him respect across the league, the Eagles said in a tribute.
The Eagles Hall of Famer died "peacefully" with his family by his side on Christmas morning, the team said.
"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," said Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie.
"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."
Bergey stayed close to Eagles fans as a color commentator after his retirement in 1981.
In a 2023 interview, Bergey said he took the most pride in knowing he always gave it his all.
"Personally, I think the thing that makes me the proudest is I know that I left everything on the field. I played as hard as I could all the time," he said.
"I wasn't one of those players that takes plays off or anything like that. I've had an awful lot of pats on the back and a lot of awards and all of that, but just knowing that I gave everything I had every play that I had, that's pretty rewarding."
Bergey is survived by his wife of 55 years, Micky, three sons – Jason, Jake, and Josh, 10 grandkids, and two siblings, Bruce and Sylvia.
