The 88-year-old football legend from Bethlehem played linebacker and center for the Eagles long after the heyday of two-way players. In 1949, he was the first pick in the draft,
DeAndre Jordan Jersey, selected by the Eagles, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. The College Defensive Player of the Year Award is named in his honor.
His game-saving tackle helped the Eagles capture the 1960 NFL championship, the last title won by the franchise. Clinging to a 17-10 lead late in the game, Bednarik saved the win with a monumental hit on the New York Giants' Frank Gifford.