Legendary Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey died at age 79 on Wednesday morning, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, from his son, Jake Bergey.
According to that same post, Bergey waged a three-year battle with cancer before his passing. According to an article on the Eagles’ website, he was diagnosed with cancer that started from his jaw.
Bergey is perhaps best known for his stint on the Philadelphia Eagles between 1974 and 1980. He went to four Pro Bowls and was named to numerous All Pro First and Second Team during his time as an Eagle. He was once the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL and once held the record for most interceptions by a linebacker. He won the American Football League’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1969 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
He also was a part of the team’s pre-game and post-game broadcasts. Additionally, he was a former football coach for The Tatnall School in Wilmington.
The Eagles said the organization was saddened by Bergey’s passing.
“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 in a statement Wednesday. “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 is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and is a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in western New York state.
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Bergey was born on Feb. 9, 1945, in South Dayton, New York. He had three sons with his wife, Micky Kay, and eight grandchildren. His sons Jake and Josh were both professional lacrosse players. Jake Bergey played for the Philadelphia Wings.
He died in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
Shane Brennan covers New Castle County with a focus on Newark and surrounding communities. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com. Follow @shanebrennan36 on X, formerly Twitter.
