Bill Bergey, the Eagles' middle linebacker from 1974 to 1980, passed away today, December 25, 2024 at age 79.
Bergey was the Bengals' 2nd-round pick in 1969, and was their starting MLB from his first game (replacing Sherrill Headrick, who two years earlier had also lost his starting MLB job with the Chiefs to Willie Lanier).
Bergey played for the Bengals for 5 seasons, starting every game for 4 seasons and 10 games in 1972.
He was traded to the Eagles before the 1974 season, and started every game for 6 seasons, while starting only 3 games in 1979 (missing 13 games due to injury).
Bergey retired after the 1980 season, his last game being Super Bowl XV.
After his playing career, he did pre- and post-game commentary for Eagles' games for 20 years.
Two of his sons played professional lacrosse - one for Philadelphia.
