The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to learn that Tom Modrak, who served as the team's director of football operations from 1998-2001, passed away Tuesday evening at the age of 74.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Modrak," Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. "Tom was a well-respected executive throughout the league and we are thankful not only for the contributions he made to this organization, but also the impact he had on the entire football and scouting community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Modrak played a pivotal role in developing a core of young players that helped guide the Eagles to the most successful period in franchise history. Modrak selected franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb with the second-overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He also signed future All-Pro players Brian Dawkins, Bobby Taylor, and Troy Vincent to contract extensions.
Modrak, who was named executive director of the BLESTO scouting service in 2012, held the title of vice president of college scouting with the Buffalo Bills from 2001-11 following his stint with the Eagles.
Modrak began his career as a part-time scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973 and then worked for BLESTO prior joining the Steelers on a full-time basis in 1978. Modrak served as a pro scout (1979-86) and director of pro scouting (1987-88) before he was elevated to head Pittsburgh's college personnel evaluation department for nine seasons.
"Many of us in the scouting world owe Tom a huge debt of gratitude for helping us learn how to scout and evaluate players," said Eagles senior football advisor Tom Donahoe, who worked with Modrak in Pittsburgh. "I will always be grateful to Tom and his family for all their support and friendship. May he rest in peace."
Modrak graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned his master's degree from the University of West Virginia. He is a member of the Indiana University Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 2006.
Modrak is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his two daughters, Stephanie and Erin.
