Eagles LB Legend Bill Bergey Dead After Battle with Cancer

You don’t have to be a Philadelphia Eagles fan to appreciate what former Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey did during his career.

As a Cowboys fan growing up in Philadelphia, I hated this man, but my God, could he play the game.

Sadly, Bergey passed away on Christmas day at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.

He’s Gone

Bergey has been in a fight for his life for about three years now, which sadly came to an end on Christmas Day.

Jake Bergey, the Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker’s son, stated, “The best father, friend, grand father, football player and outright great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad.”

Bergey started his career in Cincinnati as a second-round pick in the 1969 NFL draft.

He was named AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year that year, also making the Pro Bowl.

Bergey started playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1974, which is when his career really took off.

Bergey made the Pro Bowl four times during his Eagles career, but he was never able to get the team over the hump to win the Super Bowl.

The Eagles did get to the Super Bowl in the 1980 season, but famously lost to the Oakland Raiders, a Wild Card team, 27-10.

That game would be Bill Bergey’s last. After he retired, he was elected to the Eagles Roll of Honor 1988, the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bergey has yet to make it into the NFL Hall of Fame. He was one of the 60 considerations for the Senior category in the 2025 class, but he did not make it to the second round for consideration.

I can tell you flat out that this man personally ruined a lot of Sundays for me as a kid, but I cannot deny his talent. I am shocked, quite frankly, that he has yet to make it into the HOF.

Rest in peace, Bill.