chuck bednarik

Charles (Chuck) Philip Bednarik (born May 1, 1925 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) is a former American football player, best remembered as a devastating tackler for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. He is a member of Pro Football Hall of Fame. Bednarik began playing football in his hometown of Bethlehem. After graduating from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Bednarik entered the United States Air Force and served in Germany. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he was an All-American. At the University of Pennsylvania, he also was seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 1948 and won the Maxwell Award that year. Bednarik was the first player drafted in the 1949 National Football League draft, chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Eagles, he starred on both offense (as a center) and defense (as a linebacker). He was a member of the Eagles' NFL Championship teams in 1949 and 1960. A devastating tackler, Bednarik sent Frank Gifford of the New York Giants into retirement with a hit in 1960. In 14 seasons, Bednarik missed just three games. He was named all-pro eight times, and was the last professional player to play both offense and defense on a regular basis. Additionally, on special teams, Bednarik kicked off for the Eagles. Bednarik retired in 1962. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years later, in 1967.

Chuck Bednarik

See also