Bill Bergey, the hard-nosed Philadelphia Eagles linebacker who embodied the dark mythos of the NFL’s 1970s, has died at age 79, according to his family.

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

“After a long, hard three year battle, Dad lost his battle with cancer,” the younger Bergey wrote on I love you, dad.’

The post included a year-old photo of the elder Bergey, dressed in a No. 66 Eagles jersey, eating cake in a lawn chair next to a husky.

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

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

Bill Bergey, the hard-nosed Philadelphia Eagles linebacker who embodied the dark mythos of the NFL’s 1970s, has died at age 79, according to his family

His son’s post included a year-old photo of the elder Bergey, dressed in a No. 66 Eagles jersey, eating cake in a lawn chair next to a husky

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

Jerry Foley of the Giant Insider Podcast and Newspaper wrote on God bless you.’

An offensive lineman in high school, Bergey moved to linebacker at little-known Arkansas State University and became a second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft.

After the merger in 1970, Bergey briefly signed with 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 picks and a second-rounder.

“There’s no way I would have grabbed a Bill Bergey for two No. 1 and one No. 2 draft picks – I think that’s absurd,” Bergey told the Associated Press in 1978. “I don’t think there’s anyone who does that.” worth that much. I really think this is putting a strain on your future. “This isn’t 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 1.80 meter tall, 110 kilogram powerhouse gained his reputation for toughness.

He had already won the AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title in Cincinnati, but was subsequently selected to the first team All-Pro twice and to the second team three times with the Eagles. Bergey finally retired in 1981 after the Eagles lost Super Bowl XV to the Oakland Raiders.

Bergey later served as a color commentator on Eagles radio broadcasts and later became a plaintiff in a concussion lawsuit against the NFL.

He and his wife Micky Kay had three sons and several grandchildren.

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