For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page
Longevity – 3
Bergey played 7 seasons with the Eagles. During 6 of those season, he started every game (88 for 88). In 1979 he missed 13 games with an injury.
Peak – 4
Bergey was arguably the best LB in the league in 1974 and 1975, certainly top-2. From 1974-1980, he was littered with all-NFL honors:
1974: 1st-team all NFL, AP
1975: 1st-team all NFL, AP
1976: 2nd-team all NFL, AP
1977: 1st-team all NFL, Pro Football Writers
1978: 1st-team all NFL, Pro Football Weekly
1980: 1st-team all Conf., Pro Football Weekly
Popularity – 4
A mean LB with a sweet mustache and a great name. What do you think?
Team Success – 3
The Eagles went 52-52 in Bergey’s 7 seasons. The final 3 were the best by far. The team went 33-15, made the playoffs all three years, and went to the team’s first Super Bowl in 1980.
Awards – 3
See All-Pro list above. Bergey also made 4 pro-bowls during his tenure.
Stats – 3
A very tough number to give him since they didn’t really keep defensive stats. He had 18 interceptions at LB, the 2nd most in Eagles history. It’s likely he would have some impressive tackle numbers (especially considering he averaged 19.8 tackles per game in his Junior year of college).
Historical Standing – 2
Not a Hall-of-Famer, but his litany of all-NFL nods put him in the discussion.
Excitement – 3
A play-maker from the LB position, Bergey had a knack for being around the ball. He had 5 INT’s in 1974 and recovered 6 fumbles in 1975. Wikipedia says that he recorded 233 in a single-season for the Eagles – but I can’t really confirm that anywhere else.
Total: 26
Bergey was the Eagles team MVP 3 times, and became the highest paid defensive player in history while on the team. If anyone can find his tackle and sack stats, I would love to see them.
For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page
Brought fire and legitimacy to a previously sad sack McCormick defense. Team jumped from 25th (393) to 7th (217) in pts. allowed on Bill’s arrival in ’74. Not all his doing of course, but he helped in a big, big way. Smart, on-his-toes player; loved to hit; could smell the ball. #66, an infectious winner.