Bill Bergey, the NFL legend and Hall of Famer, passed away on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, amid his three-year battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
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The late linebacker’s son, Jake Bergey, confirmed the news.
“After a long hard 3-year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer,” Jake stated on X, formerly Twitter. “The best father, friend, grandfather, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you, Dad.”
After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad. pic.twitter.com/RTLln3UA8o
— Jake Bergey (@Bergey66) December 25, 2024
Bergey entered the NFL and played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1969 to 1973. Following his Bengals days, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1974 to 1980.
Bergey recorded nearly 1,200 tackles during his time with the Eagles and earned Pro Bowl honors four times. He was then inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1988 and became a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
Bergey was also among the 60 former players in the senior category who were considered for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Bergey was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Micky; three sons—Jason, Jake, and Josh; 10 grandkids; and two siblings—his brother, Bruce, and sister, Sylvia.
The Philadelphia Eagles Pay Tribute to Bill Bergey
Following the news that Bergey died, the Philadelphia Eagles paid tribute to the late linebacker.
“The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey,” the team’s tribute read. “One of the franchise’s greatest linebackers and a member of the Eagles Hall of Fame.”
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie also released a statement.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. An Eagles all-time great,” Lurie said. “Bill was a legendary linebacker who gained the respect of players and coaches across the league for his blue-collar work ethic and hard-nosed play,”
“Bill exemplified what it meant to be an Eagle in every way,” he added. “And proudly represented the team in the community well after his playing days were over. We will all miss him dearly and extend our deepest condolences to the entire Bergey family.”