Bengals owner Mike Brown reacts to Bill Bergey's death

Legendary NFL linebacker Bill Bergey died Wednesday morning at the age of 79, according to a post on X by his son Jake Bergey.

According to the same post, Bergey battled cancer for three years before his death. In 2021, he was diagnosed with cancer that started in his jaw.

Bergey is perhaps best known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles between 1974 and 1980. During his time as an Eagle, he appeared in four Pro Bowls and was named to numerous first and second All-Pro teams. He was once the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL and held the record for most interceptions by a linebacker.

As a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, with whom he played from 1969 to 1973, he won the American Football League’s 1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Cincinnati selected him in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft out of Arkansas State.

He also participated in the Eagles’ pregame and postgame broadcasts and is a former football coach at Tatnall School in Delaware.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. “An all-time star for the Eagles, Bill was a legendary linebacker who earned the respect of players and coaches across the league for his work ethic and hard-nosed play,” Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement Wednesday Explanation. “Bill exemplified in every way what it means to be an Eagle and continued to proudly represent the team in the community even after his playing days ended. We will all miss him greatly 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 the best linebacker we’ve ever had here,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said at practice on Thursday, according to Bengals.com. “I was really sad when I heard about it. It has an impact on me.”

“He had the size and could run. He was a true linebacker. Back when middle linebacker was probably considered the most important position on defense. He was able to impact the running game and participate in the passing game.”

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Bengals owner Mike Brown reacts to Bill Bergey’s death

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