The Arkansas State University community is mourning the loss of Bill Bergey, an A-State football legend, who passed away at the age of 79.
Bergey played a significant role in the team's success during his time at Arkansas State, contributing to a 24-13-1 record and leading the team to two Pecan Bowl appearances. He was recognized as the Pecan Bowl Outstanding Defensive Player in his senior year.
Bergey set numerous records at the university, including the best tackle average in a season and the most tackles in a game, season, and career. In his senior season, he averaged nearly 20 tackles per game, with a standout performance of 33 tackles against Eastern Michigan.
Head Football Coach Butch Jones expressed condolences on behalf of the Arkansas State football family, highlighting Bergey's exceptional influence on the game and his positive impact on many lives.
“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 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 a three-time All-Southland Conference selection and received All-America honors in his senior year. He also participated in three postseason college all-star games, earning the title of Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year for the South team in the North South Shrine Game.
Jeff Purinton, A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, emphasized that Bergey will be remembered not only as one of the best players in Arkansas State football history but also as one of the university's most notable student-athletes across all sports. He noted Bergey's documented achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels, acknowledging the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
“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 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.”
Bergey was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1969, where he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection. After five years with the Bengals, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1974. During his time with the Eagles, Bergey was a four-time All-Pro and set an NFL record for most interceptions by a linebacker.
At the peak of his career, he was the highest-paid defensive player in professional football and concluded his career with five Pro Bowl selections and two First Team All-Pro honors. His final game was in Super Bowl XV.
Post-career, Bergey was inducted into several halls of fame, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ Honor Roll, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, and Arkansas State University Hall of Heroes. His jersey was retired by Arkansas State, and he was voted the best player in A-State history by fans in 1976. Bergey was also honored in the football Ring of Honor at Centennial Bank Stadium.
After retiring in 1981, Bergey became involved in the hospitality industry, co-owning hotels and golf courses, and frequently made public appearances. He worked in television and radio as an Eagles postgame commentator for over 23 years.
Bergey lived in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Micky Kay Davenport, whom he met in college. The couple had three sons, two of whom pursued careers in professional lacrosse.
