Bill Bergey, the hard-hitting linebacker who became a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 79. The Philadelphia Eagles confirmed his peaceful passing on Wednesday morning, surrounded by family.
Bergey’s son, Jake Bergey, shared the somber news on social media platform X, revealing that his father succumbed to cancer after a relentless three-year battle.
“After a long, hard three-year battle, Dad lost his fight with cancer. The best father, friend, grandfather, football player, and outright great person in this world,” Jake Bergey wrote. “I will truly miss him. Love you, Dad.”
A Tribute to a Philadelphia Icon
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie expressed the organization’s sorrow in an official statement. “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 players and coaches across the league for his blue-collar work ethic and hard-nosed play,” Lurie said. “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.”
A Storied Career
Bergey joined the Eagles in 1974 after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. Over seven seasons, he became a defensive stalwart and helped lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1980. Wearing No. 66, Bergey earned five All-Pro honors and was named team MVP three times.
His career began at Arkansas State, where he made his mark in college football before being drafted into the NFL. Bergey was born in South Dayton, New York, and brought his tenacity and leadership to every team he played for.
Legacy and Family
Bergey leaves behind his beloved wife, Micky, three sons – Jason, Jake, and Josh – and ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bruce and sister Sylvia.
In the hearts of Eagles fans and the greater Philadelphia community, Bill Bergey’s legacy will endure as a symbol of perseverance, grit, and unwavering commitment to the sport he loved.
From all of us at WHYY News, we extend our condolences to the Bergey family and the Eagles organization during this difficult time.
