Bill Bergey, the tough linebacker who became a Philadelphia Eagles legend in the 1970s, passed away at 79.
Jake Bergey announced his father’s death on X, sharing that Bill had fought his three-year battle with cancer.
Highlights
- He stayed in Philadelphia with his wife, Micky Kay Davenport, after he retired from the NFL.
- Bill Bergey met Micky Kay in college and married in the early 1970s.
- His wife of 55 years, Micky Kay, remained his steadfast supporter throughout his cancer battle.
Jake described his father as the best father, grandfather, friend, and football player, expressing how much he would miss him.
“After a long, hard three-year battle, Dad lost his fight with cancer. The best father, friend, grandfather, friend, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you Dad.”
Jake Bergey
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie also paid tribute, expressing deep sadness over Bill’s passing.
He highlighted Bergey’s status as an all-time great for the Eagles, known for his hard-nosed play and blue-collar work ethic, which earned him respect from players and coaches across the NFL.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. As an Eagles all-time great, Bill was a legendary linebacker who gained the respect of the players and coaches across the league for his blue collar work ethic and his hard-nosed play.
CEO Jeffrey Lurie
In 1974, Bill Bergey moved to the Philadelphia Eagles from the Cincinnati Bengals.
He spent seven seasons with the Eagles, playing a key role in the team’s first Super Bowl appearance in 1980.
He had played college football at Arkansas State and was originally from South Dayton, New York.
Bill Bergey’s Cancer Battle: How His Sons And Wife, Micky Kay, Supported Him Through Life’s Challenges
Bill Bergey noticed something was wrong when his dentist didn’t like what he saw during a routine check-up.
The dentist recommended he go to Philadelphia’s Penn Center for further tests, where it was discovered that cancer had started in his jaw.
Bill Bergey pic.twitter.com/ttPbuXN7mW
— ᑭᖇO ᖴOOTᗷᗩᒪᒪ ᒍOᑌᖇᑎᗩᒪ 🏈 (@NFL_Journal) July 12, 2021
He had surgery on his upper jaw and sinus area but later needed a second operation on his lower jaw.
While extracting a tooth, a different doctor noticed an issue and sent him back to the Penn Center for more tests, leading to another surgery.
So, Bergey was dealing with some issues in his mouth, including leaking fluids that required him to tilt his head back, back in 2023.
He mentioned that his three sons ( Jason, Jake, and Josh) stepped up during his illness, doing things he never expected.
“And I will tell you one thing. My kids have stepped up to the plate like I’ve never seen anybody step up to the plate. My three boys drove me all over the place, gave my wife (Micky Kay) a break. I don’t know if I could have made it without them.”
Bill Bergey
His three kids drove him to appointments and gave his wife, Micky Kay, a much-needed break.
He admitted that he was unsure he could have gotten through without their support.
After retiring, he stayed in Philadelphia with his wife, Micky Kay Davenport. They met in college and got married in the early 1970s.
Throughout life’s challenges, his wife of 55 years, Micky Kay, remained his steadfast supporter.
Together, they found joy and fulfillment in their family, especially their ten grandchildren.
Bill Bergey’s Life Before Cancer Revolved Around A Secure Future For His Wife And Kids
Before cancer diagnosis, Bergey mentioned that he stayed occupied for someone his age and enjoyed it that way.
During the offseason, he would slow down and spend quality time with his wife, Micky Kay.
RIP to one of the greats…Bill Bergey.. pic.twitter.com/pQGDeOGaA6
— Louis Dilonardo Sr. (@lad1258_louis) December 25, 2024
They also had grandchildren who kept them active and engaged. Overall, he felt that life was good.
Additionally, Bergey admitted that his decision to join the World Football League was mainly for the money.
The league offered him five times what he was making in the NFL. He had a long conversation with Bengals coach and general manager Paul Brown, who warned him that not everything that looks good is truly valuable.
However, Bergey chose to take the opportunity to ensure a secure future for his wife and children.
Additional Information
- Bergey was also a charter member of the Delta Eta chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order at ASU.
- He earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education in 1969 and a commission in the Army Reserves.
- Although he started playing offensive lineman and nose guard, he was moved to linebacker in 1966.
- At ASU, Bergey set several records, including most tackles in a season, most in a game, and most career tackles.
