By Lydia Jane Allison
JONESBORO, Ark. (12/25/24) – The Arkansas State University family mourns the loss of one of its all-time football greats, Bill Bergey, who has passed away at the age of 79.
During his time on the gridiron in Jonesboro, Bergey helped A-State to a 24-13-1 record and consecutive appearances in the Pecan Bowl. He was the Pecan Bowl Outstanding Defensive Player his senior season. While at Arkansas State, he established school records for best tackle average in a season, most fumble recoveries in a season and most tackles in a game, season and career. During his senior season, he averaged almost 20 tackles a game, making 33 tackles against Eastern Michigan.
“On behalf of our entire Arkansas State football family, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and former teammates and colleagues of Bill Bergey,” said A-State Head Football Coach Butch Jones. “He was one of the greatest to ever play at Arkansas State, went on to have an outstanding career in the NFL and had a tremendous overall influence on the game of football. We are grateful for everything he did for Arkansas State and the positive impact he had on the many lives that he touched.”
Bergey was selected All-Southland Conference three times and an All-America choice his senior season. He played in three postseason college all-star games and was named the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year for the South team in the North South Shrine Game.
“Bill Bergey will be remembered as not only one of the best players in the history of Arkansas State football, but one of our most prominent student-athletes ever among all our sports programs,” said A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton. “His long list of achievements, both at the collegiate and professional levels, is well documented, and he leaves behind a legacy of greatness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many loved ones.”
Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1969, Bergey was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection. He started over five years with the Bengals and in 1974 was acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles.
During his years with the Eagles, Bergey was a four-time All-Pro and set an NFL record for most interceptions by a linebacker. At age 33, he was the highest paid defensive player in pro football. His last game was in Super Bowl XV. He ended his pro career with five selections to the Pro Bowl and as a two-time First Team All-Pro.
Bergey received numerous post-career honors. Among these were the Philadelphia Eagles’ Honor Roll, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.
In Arkansas, he was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas State University Hall of Heroes, a hall honoring members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), in which Bergey had been a second lieutenant. His jersey was retired by A-State, and in 1976 fans voted him the best player in A-State history. He was also added to the football Ring of Honor on display in Centennial Bank Stadium.
After retiring in 1981, Bergey became involved in the hospitality business as part owner in hotels and golf courses and made regular public appearances. He also spent over 23 years in television and radio as an Eagles postgame commentator. After retirement, he continued to live in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Micky Kay Davenport, whom he met in college and married in the early 1970s. The couple had three sons, two of whom played professional lacrosse.
COURTESY ARKANSAS STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
