Fred Hill - TE

Fred Hill was a receiver who played for the Eagles for 7 seasons (1965-71). He was mostly a backup tight end, but in 2 of his seasons he started 8 of the 14 games, making him the primary starter.

Fred was the Eagles' 4th-round pick in 1965. After a year on special teams, he started 8 games at split end in 1966, in place of the injured Ray Poage. Hill returned to the starting lineup in 1968, filling in for the injured and/or suspended Mike Ditka at tight end.

He played in at least 12 games every season except 1969 (8 games) and 1971 (7). Hill retired during training camp in 1972.

This is Fred's only football card - from the 1969 Topps set.


Fred Hill was one of the driving forces (along with Eagles' owner Leonard Tose) of the Ronald McDonald House charity. In 1971, Hill's 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. After her successful treatment, Hill and the Eagles started the "Eagles Fly For Leukemia" program, and founded the first Ronald McDonald's House, in Philadelphia.


"Where is he now" story on the Eagles' website


Where's Waldo Fred?

RIP - Tim Rossovich

Tim Rossovich, who played defensive end and middle linebacker for the Eagles from 1968-1971, passed away on December 6, 2018 at age 72.

Rossovich was the Eagles' #1 pick in 1968 from USC. (The Birds also selected his USC teammate Adrian Young in the 3rd round that year.) Tim was immediately installed as the starting left end and remained there until the 2nd month of 1970, when he was moved to middle linebacker. He also made the Pro Bowl in 1969.

After the 1971 season, he was traded to the Chargers for a #1 draft pick (TE Charlie Young). After 2 seasons he returned to Philadelphia as a member of the WFL's Philadelphia Bell from 1974-75.

After a final season (1976) back in the NFL with the Oilers, Tim retired and became a movie and TV actor.

Besides football and acting, Rosso was known for stunts like eating glass and setting his hair on fire.

Philadelphia Eagles obituary

Washington Post obituary
 

Mel Tom - DE

Mel Tom was a defensive end who played 7 seasons for the Eagles, 5+ as a starter.

He was their 6th-round pick in 1966, but saw his first action in 1967. (I assume he was on the taxi-squad in '66.)

Early in his career he was listed as a linebacker (see 2nd photo below), which may explain why he wore #58 for his first 3 seasons, rather than a number in the 80's. (In 1970 he switched to the more high-profile #99.)

After starting 5 games in 1967, Mel became the full-time regular right defensive end for the next 5 seasons, starting all but 1 game from 1968 to 1972. His steady presence at RDE for those 5 years was in stark contrast to the revolving lineup elsewhere on the D-line, especially the two left-side positions.

In 1969 Mel led the NFL in safeties (one!)

After starting the first 4 games of the 1973 season, Tom was dealt to the Bears for a 5th round pick in 1974, which became DT Jim Cagle.

Mel started 8 games for the Bears in '73, and started 7 of his 14 games the following year. He retired in 1975 after playing 6 games.

He passed away in 2006 at age 64.

Here is Mel Tom's lone Eagles' card, from 1973. He also had a card in 1975, as a Bear.

Where's Waldo Mel?