Eagles Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik dies at 89

Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik died at the age of 89 early Saturday morning.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Mar 21, 2015

Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik died at the age of 89 early Saturday morning.

The Eagles announced Bednarik died following a brief illness at an assisted living facility in Richland, Pa. Regarded as one of the NFL's toughest players and strongest tacklers, Bednarik played center and linebacker for a franchise-record 14 seasons with the Eagles from 1949 to 1962.

Bednarik won two NFL championships with the Eagles in 1949 and 1960, was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and 10-time All-Pro selection. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, the first year he was eligible.

"With the passing of Chuck Bednarik, the Eagles and our fans have lost a legend," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a release. "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."

Over his 169 career regular-season games—fourth-most in Eagles history—Bednarik recorded 20 interceptions and 21 fumble recoveries.

Known as "Concrete Charlie" for his offseason job as a concrete salesman for the Warner Company, Bednarik was named a member of the NFL's 1950s All-Decade and 75th Anniversary teams.

Before his NFL career, Bednarik, who was born May 1, 1925, in Bethlehem, Pa., flew 30 missions as a B-24 waist gunner in World War II. He was awarded the Air Medal, and later had an All-American football career at the University of Pennsylvania. The Eagles selected him first overall in the 1949 NFL draft.

"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," Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said in a release. "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."

Bednarik's name has been attached to college football's Chuck Bednarik Award since 1995 and is given annually to the sport's best defensive player.

Bednarik is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emma, five daughters, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

- Mike Fiammetta

GALLERY: CLASSIC PHOTOS OF CHUCK BEDNARIK

Classic Photos of Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik and Frank Gifford

Eagles at Giants, Nov. 20, 1960 | Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik celebrates after laying out New York Giants running back Frank Gifford at Yankee Stadium. The hit forced Gifford to temporarily retire from football.

Chuck Bednarik

The Ball bounces free as Chuck Bednarik hits New York Giants' Frank Gifford after Gifford caught a pass from George Shaw.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik, a two-way player for the Philadelphia Eagles, leaps toward an unidentified player from the Green Bay Packers.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik eyes New York Giants QB Charlie Conerly as he awaits the snap.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik with Green Bay's Paul Hornung (5) and Jim Taylor (31) after the 1960 championship game.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik standing on the sidelines bench during a game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at Forbes Field.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik hands his jersey and shoes to equipment manager Freddie Schubach after his last game so that they can be donated to the Hall of Fame.

Chuck Bednarik

A victorious Bednarik after winning the tiel game vs Green Bay.

Chuck Bednarik

Eagles head coach Nick Skorich and Chuck Bednarik during a game against Chicago.

Chuck Bednarik

Green Bay Packers blocker Jim Ringo and Chuck Bednarik chat before a 1960 game.

Chuck Bednarik

Art Rickerby/Diamond Images/Getty Images

Bednarik jogs around the field prior to a practice in 1960 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

Chuck Bednarik

A referee talks with Chuck Bednarik his tackle on Frank Gifford at Yankee Stadium. Gifford (background) was knocked out and, because of this injury, did not play for 18 months.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik poses in a medieval knight's armor, lance and helmet in 1960 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik and family

Bednarik is shown with with his family in their Abington, Pa., home in 1962. Left to right are; twins, Carol and Pamela, 7; Donna, 9; Jacquelyn, 20 months, Mrs. Bednarik and Charlene, 12.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik

Hy Peskin/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

Chuck Bednarik tackles Joe Morrison.

Chuck Bednarik

Bednarik walking off the field after the New York Giants.

Chuck Bednarik and Jim Brown

Chuck Bednarik tries to bring down Jim Brown at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik

Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

Chuck Bednarik waves to the crowd at halftime ceremonies during a game against the Green Bay Packers on September 12, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia,