Philadelphia Eagles legend Bill Bergey dies at age 79 after three-year battle with cancer, family reveals

Bill Bergey, the hard-nosed Philadelphia Eagles linebacker who epitomized the NFL’s gritty 1970s mystique, has died at age 79, according to his family.

The South Dayton, New York native’s death was revealed by his son Jake Bergey, a former professional lacrosse player.

‘After a long hard battle for 3 years, Dad lost his battle with cancer,’ the younger Bergey wrote on X. ‘The best dad, friend, grandpa, football player and all-around great person in this world. I will really miss him. Love you dad.’

The post included a year-old photo of the elder Bergey, wearing a No. 66 Eagles jersey, eating cake in an armchair with a husky.

Bergey’s death has since been confirmed by several media outlets.

“I’m so sorry for your loss Jake,” wrote local Philadelphia NBC anchor John Clark. ‘Thinking of you and your family. Sending prayers.’

Bill Bergey, the hard-nosed Philadelphia Eagles linebacker who epitomized the NFL’s gritty 1970s mystique, has died at age 79, according to his family

His son’s post included a year-old photo of the elder Bergey wearing an Eagles jersey No. 66, who ate cake in an armchair together with a husky

Even rival fans couldn’t help but express their sympathy.

Jerry Foley of the Giant Insider Podcast and Newspaper wrote on X: ‘Met your dad years ago at an event in Trenton… He was a true gentleman. So sorry for your loss, Jake. God bless.’

Bergey, an offensive lineman in high school, converted to linebacker at little-known Arkansas State University and went on to become a second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft.

After the 1970 merger, Bergey briefly signed in the long-forgotten World Football League and was sued by the Bengals for breach of contract.

Regardless, his WFL team never paid him, and Bergey was ultimately traded to Philadelphia for two first-round and second-round picks.

“There’s no way I would have grabbed a Bill Bergey for two number one and one number two draft picks — I think that’s absurd,” Bergey told the Associated Press in 1978. “I don’t think there’s anybody, that’s worth so much. I really believe that this is not an individual sport – it’s a team sport.’

Bergey in action against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game on October 3, 1976

In any case, it was in Philadelphia where the 6-foot-4, 243-pound bruiser developed his reputation for toughness.

He had already won AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in Cincinnati, but would go on to earn two first-team and three second-team All-Pro selections with the Eagles. Bergey would ultimately retire in 1981 after the Eagles lost Super Bowl XV to the Oakland Raiders.

Bergey would go on to serve as a color commentator on Eagles radio broadcasts and later became a plaintiff in a concussion-related lawsuit against the NFL.

He and wife Micky Kay had three sons and a number of grandchildren.

He was diagnosed with oral cancer three years ago and has since received support from a survivor, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.