Bill Bergey, the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for several seasons, passed away on Wednesday after a three-year battle with cancer at the age of 79 years old. His son, Jake Bergey, made the announcement on his X account (Twitter).
Bill Bergey was born in South Dayton, New York, on February 9, 1945. He went to Pine Valley Central High School in South Dayton and graduated there in 1964. Collegiately, Bergey played four seasons at Arkansas State University (1965-68) making 436 tackles for the Indians (now Red Wolves. In 1968, Bergy made 196 tackles in a single-season which is still a school record.
Bergey also set the record for most tackles for a game (33) against Eastern Michigan. In total, he still holds five records for best tackle average in a season, most fumble recoveries in a season, and most tackles in a game, season, and career. He was included in the Arkansas State Hall of Honor in 1982.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Bergey in the second round (31st pick) of the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft. In 1969, he made two interceptions for 62 yards in 14 games. At that time, tackling stats were not recorded until 1978. Bergey went on to make the Pro Bowl and was named an AFL All-Star.
Bergey played five seasons for the Bengals making nine interceptions for 163 yards, 4.5 sacks, and six fumble recoveries for 18 yards in 68 games, of which 66 were starts. On April 17, 1974, Bergey signed with the Washington Capitals of the upstart World League Football (WFL). The team would undergo two identity changes later becoming the Virginia Ambassadors and finally the Florida Blazers. Bergey would never play a game in the WFL as the league struggled financially and folded in 1975.
The turning point of Bergey’s career happened on July 10, 1974, when the Bengals traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 1977 first-round pick, defensive linemen Wilson Whitley and Ross Browner, defensive back Ray Griffin, and a first-and-second round picks of the 1978 NFL Draft.
Bergey played seven seasons in Philadelphia making 1,200 tackles, 18 interceptions for 234 yards, 14 sacks, and 15 fumble recoveries in 91 games. He made the Pro Bowl four more times and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1974. During his time in Philadelphia, Bergey became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history when he signed a four-year contract for $1 million.
In his final season in 1980, Bergey played a key role making two sacks, one interception for seven yards, and two fumble recoveries in 16 games helping the Eagles reach their first-ever Super Bowl against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV. In the Super Bowl, Bergey made five tackles in a 27-10 loss. Bergey retired from football after the Super Bowl. He was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1988.
After his career ended, Bergey made Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, his permanent home. He was a color commentator for more than 20 years providing analysis pregame and postgame both on radio and television. Bergey was also involved in the hospitality business with some area hotels and restaurants.
Bill Bergey leaves behind his wife Micky Kay of 55 years, three sons Jason, Jake, and Josh, and 10 grandchildren. His sons Jake and Josh both played in the National Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Wings and the Chesapeake Bayhawks respectively. Jake played 10 seasons with the Philadelphia Wings scoring 256 goals, 301 assists, 577 loose balls, and 122 penalty minutes. He wore No. 66, the same number his dad wore for the Eagles. Bergy led the Wings to two NLL championships in 1998 and 2001. His number was retired by the Wings in 2014.
The family will announce funeral arrangements at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bergey’s name to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.
