Eagles Linebacker Bill Bergey Dead at 79

If you are a football fan and have been one since the 1970s, you surely know the name Bill Bergey.

Bergey was a legendary linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles who was adored by fans.

The man who was the heart and soul of those teams in the 1970s has, sadly, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Cancer Wins

Bergey did not start his career as a Philadelphia Eagle, having been drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1969 NFL draft.

He played out his contract, and he was eventually traded to the Eagles after the 1973 season.

While he was the AFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, even making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, it was not until he played for the Eagles that he earned his reputation.

I grew up in Philadelphia and was a Cowboys fan, so I hated hearing this man’s name and wanted to puke every time I saw a 66 jersey walking around town.

Bergey was one of the top linebackers in the league every year he played for the Eagles, making the Pro Bowl four times wearing Kelly Green.

His final season was in 1980 when the Eagles got embarrassed by the Wild Card Oakland Raiders in the Super Bowl. I have to admit, I take some joy in saying that the Eagles choked that year.

Bergey has earned every local honor in Philadelphia, being elected to the Eagles Roll of Honor 1988, the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, but he has never made the final cut for the NFL Hall of Fame, and missed the cut for the 2025 senior class inductees.

Bergey passed away on Christmas day after a three-year battle with cancer. He announced in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with jaw cancer.

His son, Jake Bergey, stated, “The best father, friend, grandfather, football player, and outright great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you Dad.”

Rest in peace, Bill. I hated you on the field against the Cowboys, but I have no problem admitting that you were one of the best of your time.