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During his illustrious career, Bergey made five Pro Bowl appearances and capped his time on the field with a Super Bowl XV appearance, where the Eagles faced the Oakland Raiders. Although the game ended in a loss for the Eagles, Bergey’s achievements remained remarkable. Over the course of 159 games, he completed nearly 1,200 tackles—a testament to his relentless work ethic and skill. His contributions earned him a spot in both the Eagles Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2023, Bergey shared an inspiring story about his battle with cancer and the support he received from fellow football legend Jim Kelly, the former Buffalo Bills quarterback. Kelly, who had been fighting jaw cancer, served as a source of motivation for Bergey during his own health struggles.
“He has kind of been my inspiration,” Bergey shared with the Eagles’ official website last year. “He keeps me on the up and up. ‘Just remember,’ he would say, ‘You’re a football player, you’re tough, and you can beat this. You can handle this.’”
Bergey recounted how his battle began during a routine dental visit. “I was going to my dentist, and my dentist didn’t like what he saw. He wanted me to go to Philadelphia, to the Penn Center, and have it checked out. And when they checked it out, they saw that cancer had started in my jaw. I didn’t give it the old, ‘Why me?’ or anything like that. I just thought that I had to fight it just like I would fight anything else that I needed to fight.”
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Throughout his battle, Bergey became a vocal advocate for early detection, urging others not to ignore potential health issues. “If they feel like there’s anything wrong, go check it out and make sure that you stay on top of it, because the quicker you can do it, the quicker you’re going to be in good shape,” Bergey emphasized. “How do you know that you have cancer if you don’t know if you have cancer or not? Have it checked out. If there’s anything that’s bothering you, I would give it an all-in on that one.”
Bill Bergey’s legacy goes beyond the football field. He will be remembered not only as a powerhouse linebacker who dominated the game but also as a devoted father, friend, and mentor who inspired countless individuals through his strength and perseverance. His impact on the sport and the community he loved will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Bill Bergey. Your legacy of grit, greatness, and love will never be forgotten.
