History of Bill Bergey in Timeline
Bill Bergey was a prominent linebacker in the NFL for 12 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1969 from Arkansas State, he played with the Bengals until 1973 before joining the Eagles in 1974, where he remained until his retirement in 1981. His career spanned both the AFL and NFL due to the merger of the two leagues.
February 9, 1945: Birth of Bill Bergey
Bill Bergey was born on February 9, 1945.
1945: Birth in South Dayton
Bill Bergey was born in South Dayton, New York in 1945.
1964: High School Graduation
Bill Bergey graduated from Pine Valley Central High School in South Dayton in 1964.
1966: Position Change to Linebacker
In 1966, Bill Bergey's position was changed to linebacker.
1968: Record-Setting Tackling Performance
In 1968, Bill Bergey averaged 19.6 tackles per game.
1969: College Graduation and Military Commission
Bill Bergey graduated from Arkansas State University in 1969 with a degree in physical education and a commission in the Army Reserves.
1969: Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals
In 1969, Bill Bergey was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the NFL/AFL draft.
1969: AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
In 1969, Bill Bergey was named the AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
January 17, 1970: AFL All-Star Selection
On January 17, 1970, Bill Bergey was selected as an AFL All-Star.
1970: Bengals' First Year in the NFL
In 1970, the Bengals played their first season in the NFL, with Bill Bergey recording three interceptions.
1970: Unofficial Sacks Recording Begins
In 1970, unofficial sacks began to be recorded for Bill Bergey.
1971: Interception Recorded
Bill Bergey recorded an interception during the 1971 season.
1972: Interception Recorded
Bill Bergey recorded an interception during the 1972 season.
1973: Three Interceptions and Fumble Recoveries
In 1973, Bill Bergey had three interceptions and recovered three fumbles.
1973: Final Season with Bengals
In 1973, Bill Bergey played his final season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
April 17, 1974: Contract with Washington Capitols
On April 17, 1974, Bill Bergey signed a personal service contract with the Washington Capitols, owners of the WFL's Virginia Ambassadors.
July 10, 1974: Trade to Philadelphia Eagles
On July 10, 1974, Bill Bergey was traded from the Bengals to the Philadelphia Eagles.
July 1974: Signing with Philadelphia Eagles
In July 1974, Bill Bergey signed a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
1974: All-Pro Selection
Bill Bergey was named to the All-Pro team in 1974.
1974: First Pro Bowl Selection with Eagles
In 1974, Bill Bergey was selected for his first Pro Bowl as an Eagle.
1975: All-Pro Selection
Bill Bergey was named to the All-Pro team in 1975.
1975: Bengals' Contract Expiration
Bill Bergey's contract with the Cincinnati Bengals was set to expire after the 1975 season.
1975: WFL Ceases Operations
The WFL ceased operations in 1975.
May 1976: Planned Joining of WFL Team
Bill Bergey was planned to join the WFL team in May 1976 after his contract with the Bengals expired.
1976: Second and Third Pro Bowl Selection with Eagles
In 1976 and 1977, Bill Bergey was selected for his second and third Pro Bowls as an Eagle.
1976: All-Pro Selection
Bill Bergey was named to the All-Pro team in 1976.
1977: All-Pro Selection
Bill Bergey was named to the All-Pro team in 1977.
1977: Trade Involving First-Round Pick
The trade involved a 1977 first-round draft pick, Wilson Whitley.
1978: All-Pro/All-NFL/All-NFC Selection
Bill Bergey was named to the All-Pro/All-NFL/All-NFC teams from 1974 to 1978.
1978: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection with Eagles
In 1978, Bill Bergey was selected for his fourth Pro Bowl as an Eagle.
1978: Eagles Return to Playoffs
The Eagles, with Bill Bergey, returned to the playoffs in 1978.
1978: Trade Involving First and Second Round Picks
The trade involved 1978 first and second round draft picks, Ross Browner and Ray Griffin respectively.
1979: Knee Injury
Bill Bergey suffered a serious knee injury in 1979.
1980: Return from Injury and Super Bowl Appearance
In 1980, Bill Bergey returned from injury and played in Super Bowl XV.
1981: Final Season with Eagles
1980 was Bill Bergey's final season playing professional football.
1981: Retirement and Super Bowl XV
Bill Bergey retired from professional football after playing in Super Bowl XV in 1981.
1981: Retirement from NFL
Bill Bergey retired from professional football in 1981 after playing in Super Bowl XV.
1982: Induction into ASU Hall of Honor
Bill Bergey was inducted into Arkansas State University's Hall of Honor in 1982.
1982: Color Commentator for Eagles Broadcasts
From 1982 to 1983, Bill Bergey served as a color commentator on radio broadcasts of the Philadelphia Eagles.
1983: End of Color Commentary Role
In 1983, Bill Bergey finished his role as a color commentator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
1988: Induction into Eagles Roll of Honor
Bill Bergey was inducted into the Eagles Roll of Honor in 1988.
1989: Induction into Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame
In 1989, Bill Bergey was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
2004: Induction into Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame
Bill Bergey was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
2011: Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Induction and Living Legend Award
In 2011, Bill Bergey was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and received the Living Legend Award.
2012: PFRA Hall of Very Good
In 2012, Bill Bergey was named to the PFRA Hall of Very Good.
2021: Bill Bergey's Cancer Diagnosis
In 2021, Bill Bergey received an oral cancer diagnosis. He faced the disease with determination, drawing strength and motivation from fellow athletes like former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.
October 2024: Pro Football Hall of Fame Consideration
In October 2024, Bill Bergey was considered for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class in the Senior category, alongside 59 other former players.
December 25, 2024: Death of Bill Bergey
Bill Bergey passed away on December 25, 2024.
2025: Pro Football Hall of Fame Candidacy Update
While Bill Bergey was initially considered for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame, he did not advance to the next round, which consisted of 31 candidates.