RIP - Nate Ramsey

Nate Ramsey, an Eagles'  defensive back from 1963-72, passed away on March 8, 2019 at age 77.

Ramsey was a starting DB for the Birds for all but part of his rookie season.

In December 1970 Ramsey was shot on the streets of Philadelphia. He missed 3 games that season, but recovered in time to start all 14 games the next year.

He finished his career with the Saints in 1973.

Obituary

Irv Cross - CB

Irv Cross was the Eagles' starting right cornerback from 1962-65 and again in his final season of 1969. He played 6 seasons for the Birds, 5 as a starter.

Cross was the Eagles' 7th-round pick in 1961. After a year on special teams, he started at right corner from 1962-65, making the Pro Bowl during the last 2 seasons.

In June 1966, Irv was traded to the Rams for defensive back Aaron Martin and running back Willie Brown. (Martin only played 2 seasons with the Eagles, and was their starting left cornerback in 1967. Brown only played 7 games for the Eagles in 1966, and had no rushes from scrimmage.)

Meanwhile, Cross started all but 2 games over the next 3 seasons for the Rams as their right cornerback. (Advantage Rams!) 

Irv returned to the Eagles for his final season of 1969, as one of 3 players acquired from the Rams in the Bob Brown trade.

He retired after starting all 14 games in 1969, and was an Eagles' coach for a short time before becoming a network broadcaster, working with Brent Musberger and Phyllis George, as I recall.

Cross had Eagles' cards in 1964, 65, and 66.


Where's Waldo Irv?

Ed Blaine - G

Staying on the offensive line a bit longer, today I am featuring Ed Blaine, the Eagles' starting left guard from 1963-66. Blaine didn't have any football cards, so these photos found on the internet will have to do.

Blaine was drafted by the Packers in the 2nd round in 1962. He played in every game as a rookie, but started none.  (Some guys named Kramer and Thurston were ahead of him!)

In September 1963 he was traded to the Eagles. Ed played every game during his 4 seasons with the Birds, and started all but one game in '63 and one game in '66.

He retired after the 1966 season, at age 26. He had always intended to only play 5 seasons, then become a doctor. Eventually he became one of the country's leading pharmaceutical researchers.

Where's Waldo Ed?