RIP - Dick Absher

Dick Absher, a middle linebacker who played from 1967 to 1972, passed away on February 25, 2026 at age 81. 

 

Absher was the Eagles’ 5th-round pick in 1967. (Their 1967 draft was a complete washout – more on that below.) 

 

Shortly before his first season he was traded to the Redskins, and played 1 game each for the Redskins and the Falcons. 

Absher played 10 games (no starts) for the Falcons in 1968, then was with the Saints from 1969-71, and was their starting middle linebacker for 21 games from 1969-70. 

 

After spending 1971 on the Saints’ special teams, he wrapped up his career in 1972 in a similar role with the Eagles. 

 

Yahoo Sports obituary

 

The Eagles’ 1967 draft class was a complete bust:

 

The first pick was running back Harry Jones, who played 29 games (5 starts) over parts of 4 seasons with the club. His career rushing total was 85 yards, including zero yards while playing 12 games in 1969. 

 

Their third-round pick was running back Harry Wilson, who played in 6 games (2 starts) over 3 seasons. His career rushing total was 7 yards. 

 

Wide receiver Chuck Hughes was their fourth-round pick. He played 3 seasons with the Eagles on special teams, then spent 1 ¼ seasons with the Lions. In game #3 of his final season, he suffered a heart attack during the game, and is the only player to have died during an NFL game. 

 

Dick Absher was their fifth-round pick, but played for other teams in his first 5 seasons. He returned to the Eagles for his final season, and played in 8 games (no starts). 

 

The Eagles’ picks in round 2 and rounds 6 thru 17 never played in the NFL.