The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of one of their all-time greats, Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and center Chuck Bednarik.
Bednarik died early this morning following a brief illness at an assisted living facility in Richland, PA. He was 89.
A Philadelphia legend, Bednarik played a franchise-record 14 seasons with the Eagles from 1949-1962 and was part of two NFL Championship squads, in both 1949 and in 1960. One of the last two-way players in the NFL, Bednarik delivered a legendary performance in the 1960 NFL Championship Game, playing nearly every minute at both linebacker and center against the Green Bay Packers. With seconds remaining in the contest and Packers running back Jim Taylor headed for the end zone, Bednarik made a game-saving tackle and bear-hugged him to the ground as time ran out, preserving a 17-13 Eagles victory.
Jeffrey Lurie: "With the passing of Chuck Bednarik, the Eagles and our fans have lost a legend. Philadelphia fans grow up expecting toughness, all-out effort and a workmanlike attitude from this team and so much of that image has its roots in the way Chuck played the game. He was a Hall of Famer, a champion and an all-time Eagle. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time."
Don Smolenski: "So many of the timeless moments in Eagles history are associated with Chuck Bednarik. He played his entire career in Philadelphia, college and pro, and he lived his entire life here and in the Lehigh Valley. He was a proud competitor and a dedicated and devout family man who loved Eagles fans as much as they loved him. He left his mark on this team and will forever be a legend within this organization."
Chip Kelly: "I have had the opportunity to spend time with Chuck Bednarik, who is truly one of the most unique players that this game has ever seen. The foundation of this organization and this league is built on the backs of past greats, with Chuck at the forefront. The way he played the game with an endless passion and tenacity helped establish the standard of excellence that this organization stands for; one that we strive to achieve each and every day."
Remembering Eagles legend Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik, one of the best players to ever play in the city of Philadelphia.
Bednarik will forever be remembered for "The Hit", when he knocked out Giants running back Frank Gifford during a 1960 game
Bednarik served the United States of America during World War II. He was a waist-gunner on a B-24 bomber, earning an Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and five battle stars
Bednarik played collegiately at the University of Pennsylvania and quickly became one of the best two-way players int he league, dominating at both the linebacker and center positions
Bednarik's 14 seasons in Philadelphia are the most ever in an Eagles' uniform
Bednarik helped the Eagles capture two NFL Championships in 1949 and 1960
Concrete Charlie's eight Pro Bowl selections are the most in franchise history
A Philadelphia sports legend, Bednarik was beloved by Eagles fans. He returned to Philadelphia during the 2010 season opener to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Eagles' 1960 Championship team
Bednarik's no-nonsense, physical style of play fit perfectly in the city of Philadelphia, a city that Bednarik called home for his entire life
"He had that aura, Mr. Eagle, the legend come to life." - Bill Bergey on Bednarik
Bednarik and Chip Kelly at the 2013 Maxwell Awards
Bednarik and Kelly during an Eagles' Alumni event
Bednarik alongside Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie at Eagles Training Camp in 2014
Bednarik says hello to Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin during 2014 Training Camp
Bednarik and his family were in attendance for the Eagles' 2013 home opener against San Diego
Bednarik's No. 60 will never be worn by another Eagle. It hangs in the rafters of Lincoln Financial Field
"Chuck wasn't made of the same material as the rest of us, I'm sure of that." - Eagles cornerback Tom Brookshier
"When I go out there, I want to be the greatest football player who ever lived." - Chucck Bednarik
Chuck and Emma Bednarik with their daughters Charlene, Donna, Pamela, and Carol in 1959
Jerry Williams and Chuck Bednarik in 1969
Chuck Bednarik in 1976
The Bednarik family in 1959
Bednarik is announced to the crowd in 1984
A sideline shot of Bednarik
Eagles head coach Joe Kuharick with Chuck Bednarik
Bednarik with Ballantine Brewing Vice President, Carl Badenhausen in 1965
Bednarik giving his Hall Of Fame induction speech
Coach Earle "Greasy" Neale with Bednarik in Canton, Ohio
Chuck Bednarik's headshot
Bednarik getting ready to snap the ball for his photo
Bednarik making the tackle
Bednarik signing his contract
Bednarik celebrating after a great play
Bednarik getting ready for the season
Bednarik working on his snaps
A sideline view of Bednarik
Bednarik served in the United States Army Air Forces
Bednarik in his Hall Of Fame jacket
Bednarik with his Hall Of Fame bust
Bednarik signing some posters for the Hall Of Fame
Check Bednarik passed away at the age of 89
Known as one of the most devastating tacklers and toughest players in the NFL, Bednarik earned the nickname "Concrete Charlie" from his offseason job as a concrete salesman for the Warner Company. He garnered a team record eight Pro Bowl nominations, eight All-Pro nods and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, his first year of eligibility. His No. 60 jersey is one of nine numbers to be retired by the Eagles. He played in 169 career games, notching 20 interceptions on defense, including one returned for a touchdown.
Born on May 1, 1925, in Bethlehem, PA, Bednarik played football at the University of Pennsylvania after serving in World War II, where he flew 30 missions as a B-24 waist gunner and was awarded the Air Medal. Bednarik went on to earn All-America honors in his final two seasons at Penn and was selected by the Eagles with the first overall choice in the 1949 NFL draft. Since 1995, the Maxwell Football Club annually gives out the "Chuck Bednarik Award" to college football's best defensive player.
Bednarik is survived by Emma, his wife of 67 years, five daughters; Charlene Thomas, Donna Davis, Carol Safarowic, Pam McWilliams, and Jackie Chelius, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
- VIEW: Forever An Eagle: Our Tribute To Chuck Bednarik
- READ: Didinger: Bednarik Is The Greatest All-Time Eagle
- VIDEO: Remembering A Legend: Chuck Bednarik
- VIDEO: In His Own Words: Chuck Bednarik's Journey
- READ: The Hit Still Resonates After All These Years
- VIDEO: Merrill Reese On Chuck Bednarik
- VIDEO: Highlights From The 1960 NFL Championship
- PHOTOS: An In-Depth Look At Bednarik On And Off The Gridiron
