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Bengals owner Mike Brown reacts to Bill Bergey death
Legendary NFL linebacker Bill Bergey died at age 79 on Wednesday morning, according to a post on X from his son, Jake Bergey.
According to that same post, Bergey waged a three-year battle with cancer before his death. He was diagnosed with cancer that started in his jaw in 2021.
Bergey is perhaps best known for his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles between 1974 and 1980. During his time as an Eagle, he went to four Pro Bowls and was named to numerous All-Pro first and second teams. He was once the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL and held the record for most interceptions by a linebacker.
He won the American Football League’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1969 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, whom he played with from 1969 through 1973. Cincinnati selected him in the second round of the 1969 NFL draft out of Arkansas State.
He also was a part of the Eagles’ pregame and postgame broadcasts, and was a former football coach for the Tatnall School in Delaware.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. An Eagles all-time great, 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,” said Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie in a statement Wednesday. “Bill exemplified what it meant to be an Eagle in every way, 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.”
Bergey is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in western New York state.
“He was as fine a linebacker as we ever had here,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said at practice Thursday, per Bengals.com. “I was really saddened to hear of it. It has an impact on me.”
“He had the size and he could run. He was a bona fide linebacker. Back when middle linebacker was probably considered the most important position on the defense. He could impact the run game and participate in the passing game.”
Bergey was born on Feb. 9, 1945, in South Dayton, New York. He had three sons with his wife, Micky Kay, and eight grandchildren. His sons, Jake and Josh, were both professional lacrosse players. Jake Bergey played for the Philadelphia Wings.
He died in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.
It is with a heavy heart that Bengals owner Mike Brown reacts to the passing of former NFL linebacker Bill Bergey. Brown expressed his condolences to Bergey’s family and friends, recognizing the impact he had not only on the football field but also in the community.
“Bill Bergey was a fierce competitor and a true leader on the field,” said Brown. “His passion for the game and dedication to his teammates set him apart as one of the greats of his era. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Bergey, who played for the Bengals from 1974 to 1980, was known for his hard-hitting style and tenacious play. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a key player in the Bengals’ defense during his time with the team.
Brown also highlighted Bergey’s contributions off the field, noting his involvement in charitable endeavors and his commitment to giving back to the community.
“Bill Bergey was not only a great player, but also a great person,” said Brown. “His impact on and off the field will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a true Bengals legend.”
The Bengals organization will honor Bergey’s memory with a moment of silence at their next game, and players will wear a patch on their jerseys in his honor. Fans are also encouraged to pay their respects to Bergey’s family and celebrate his life and legacy.
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