The family of Chuck Bednarik on Thursday held a viewing at Connell Funeral Home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for the Eagles legend, who died Saturday morning at the age of 89.
Bednarik, a Hall of Famer, was one of the Eagles’ greatest players of all-time. He spent his entire 14 years in the NFL with the Eagles, which still remains a team record. Concrete Charlie was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a five-time first-team All-Pro and the Eagles retired his No. 60.
He was a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area and died an icon in Southeast Pennsylvania.
“This is not only an icon but everything you’d want for an NFL franchise, this man represented,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said. “Toughness, passion for the game, pride in the city.
“Humble in every way. It’s why he’s an icon. It’s why he represents everything the Eagles believe in, and what the fanbase expects of the team. Toughness, never give up, play through pain.”
Bednarik played through pain — there was one time he battled through a torn biceps in an exhibition game. He was the last of the NFL ironmen, playing both sides of the ball at center and linebacker even at 35 years old.
“What he did was extraordinary and his story was extraordinary,” Pro Football Hall of Famer and Comcast SportsNet Eagles analyst Ray Didinger said. “Poor kid from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Goes into Army airforce, survives 30 combat missions at the age of 18. Comes back and becomes All-American at University of Pennsylvania.
NFL
“Played 14 seasons with Philadelphia and does the amazing things that he did. I just think he’s a remarkable story, and I just think he’s one of the most remarkable figures in professional football.”
Pete Retzlaff, who won an NFL championship with Bednarik in 1960, called Bednarik “a great representative of the city” more for his feats in the service than anything accomplished on the gridiron.
“He was also a member of the military,” Retzlaff said. “So he’s actually a football hero, but he’s [also] an American hero.”
A private mass will be held Friday for Bednarik’s friends and family.