Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Fame linebacker, Bill Bergey, passed away on Christmas Day 2024. Bergey, aged 79, had been battling oral cancer for three years. Known for his revolutionary defensive play, Bergey helped transform the struggling Eagles into a Super Bowl contender.
His son, Jake, confirmed the sad news stating, “After a long, hard three-year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grandfather, football player, and outright great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you, Dad.”
Born in South Dayton, New York, William E. Bergey was a star at Arkansas State University, where his jersey was retired in 1997. He was also honored by the university’s Sports Hall of Fame and ROTC Hall of Heroes.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted the six-foot-four-inch, 243-pound linebacker in the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft, marking the start of his NFL journey. After being named AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bergey signed with the World Football League’s Florida Blazers in 1974. This move sparked a lawsuit from the Bengals. When the WFL team failed to pay him, the Eagles acquired him, making him the highest-paid defensive player in professional football.
Bergey had an immediate and significant impact on the Eagles. He led the team in tackles every season from 1974 to 1978. His 27 career interceptions rank him 10th all-time among NFL linebackers. He also amassed 18.5 sacks and 21 fumble recoveries, including a league-high six in 1975. Alongside Chuck Bednarik, Bergey is one of only two Eagles linebackers to earn first-team All-Pro honors in consecutive years (1974-75).
In 1979, despite a severe knee injury, Bergey worked hard to rehabilitate and return for the 1980 season. His dedication paid off, earning him First-Team All-NFC honors from the Sporting News and helping the Eagles reach their first Super Bowl appearance in 1981.
After retirement, Bergey remained deeply connected to Philadelphia, living in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania for 50 years with his wife, Micky. He spent over two decades as a commentator and analyst for Eagles broadcasts and also coached football at the Tatnall School in Greenville, Delaware.
In later years, Bergey became an important advocate in the NFL concussion lawsuit. His motivation was not personal gain, but to support affected players. “It’s not about the money with me, but it’s about these poor people who have had so much trouble with the concussions, with the dementia,” he told a local media outlet.
After being diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021, Bergey drew inspiration from fellow cancer survivor and former Buffalo Bills quarterback, Jim Kelly. He continued his annual visits to the Eagles training camp until his death.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Brandywine Valley Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Bergey is survived by his wife Micky Kay, three sons, ten grandchildren, and two siblings.
Bergey’s legacy includes five Pro Bowl selections, three Eagles MVP awards, and induction into four halls of fame: the Eagles Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
