On Christmas Day 2024, Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Fame linebacker Bill Bergey, known for his groundbreaking defensive play that helped turn a struggling team into a Super Bowl contender, died at 79 following a three-year fight with oral cancer.
Bergey’s son, Jake, announced his death saying, “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.”
A native of South Dayton, New York, William E. Bergey was a standout player at Arkansas State University, where his jersey was retired in 1997 and he was inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame and ROTC Hall of Heroes.
Bergey’s NFL career started when he was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft. Following his AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, he made news by signing with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League in 1974, leading to a lawsuit from the Bengals. The Eagles acquired Bergey for two first-round picks and a second-rounder after the WFL team defaulted on his payment, making him the highest-paid defensive player in professional football.
Bergey made an instant and significant impact, leading the Eagles in tackles every season from 1974 to 1978. He ranks 10th all-time among NFL linebackers with his 27 career interceptions and recorded 18.5 sacks and 21 fumble recoveries, including a league-high six in 1975. He and Chuck Bednarik are the only two Eagles linebackers to earn first-team All-Pro honors in consecutive years (1974-75).
Despite a serious knee injury in 1979, Bergey made a determined comeback in the 1980 season, earning First-Team All-NFC honors from the Sporting News and playing a crucial role in taking the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1981.
Post-retirement, Bergey remained closely tied to Philadelphia, living in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania for 50 years with his wife, Micky. He spent over two decades as a commentator and analyst on Eagles broadcasts and coached football at the Tatnall School in Greenville, Delaware for years.
Bergey played a significant role in the NFL concussion lawsuit, joining not for personal benefit 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 shared with 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 passing.
A memorial service is set for 9:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the 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 the Eagles Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
