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
The Eagles mourn the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame center and linebacker Chuck Bednarik, who died early Saturday morning at the age of 89. Reaction was swift and widespread on social media. Here is just a sample of the outpouring of support from fans, current and former players and more:
From Current And Former Eagles
From Fans
#ConcreteCharlie was the real deal! Hit it dead on the nail about @DeionSanders too! #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/vpy0svG5po — #FlyEaglesFly (@OneLinerTyler) March 22, 2015
From The Sports World
- 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
