Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Fame linebacker, Bill Bergey, known for his transformative defensive play that turned the Eagles into a Super Bowl contender, passed away on Christmas Day 2024. Bergey, aged 79, had been fighting oral cancer for three years.
Bergey’s son, Jake, announced his father’s death, 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 made a name for himself at Arkansas State University, where his jersey was retired in 1997. He was honored by the university with an induction into the Sports Hall of Fame and ROTC Hall of Heroes.
The Cincinnati Bengals chose Bergey in the NFL/AFL Draft of 1969, marking the start of his professional football career. After a successful rookie year, he joined the World Football League’s Florida Blazers in 1974, leading to a legal dispute with the Bengals. When the Blazers failed to pay Bergey, the Eagles traded two first-round picks and a second-rounder to acquire him, making him the highest-paid defensive player in professional football at the time.
A defensive powerhouse, Bill Bergey dominated the Eagles’ defense for half a decade, topping the team’s tackle charts from ’74 through ’78. His ball-hawking skills placed him among the NFL’s elite linebackers, with 27 interceptions ranking him 10th all-time at his position. Bergey’s knack for game-changing plays extended to his 18.5 sacks and remarkable 21 fumble recoveries, including a league-leading six in 1975. His excellence earned him a rare distinction shared only with Eagles legend Chuck Bednarik – consecutive first-team All-Pro selections (1974-75) as an Eagles linebacker.
Even after a severe knee injury in 1979, Bergey made a remarkable comeback in the 1980 season. He received First-Team All-NFC honors from the Sporting News and played a crucial role in guiding the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1981.
After his retirement, Bergey remained an integral part of Philadelphia, living in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania for over 50 years with his wife, Micky. He also served as a commentator and analyst on Eagles broadcasts for over two decades and coached football at the Tatnall School in Greenville, Delaware.
Bergey went on to play a significant role in the NFL concussion lawsuit, advocating for players affected by the condition. “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 said in an interview.
Bergey, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021, found encouragement from fellow cancer survivor and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly. He continued to visit Eagles training camps each summer until his death.
A memorial service was held at 9:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Brandywine Valley Church in Wilmington, Delaware. He 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, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.