Eagles news: Philly releases 1st Week 17 injury report, beloved legend passes away

Merry Christmas! We say that to those who are reading this on the holiday. We wish belated cheer to those of you who may read this afterward. They say today is the present, and that's why it's called a gift. The Philadelphia Eagles, all things considered, have gifted us with an enjoyable season.

We've gotten to know some beautiful people over the years. On a day we celebrate and express the spirit of giving, one left the Eagles family and gifted Heaven with another angel.

Eagles news: Bill Bergey passes at 79 years old.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of a franchise legend. Philadelphia has announced that Bill Bergey has passed at 79 years young.

A former AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1969), Bergey's career began as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He's best remembered as an Eagle.

He's a Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame member and a Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame inductee. A two-time First-Team All-Pro (1974, 1975) and a three-time Second-team All-Pro (1976–1978). Four of his five Pro Bowl nods came during his time in Philly (1974, 1976–1978).

Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released this statement.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. An Eagles all-time great, Bill was a legendary linebacker who gained the respect of players and coaches across the league for his blue-collar work ethic and hard-nosed play. He was rightfully inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1988. Bill exemplified what it meant to be an Eagle in every way, and proudly represented the team in the community well after his playing days were over. We will all miss him dearly and extend our deepest condolences to the entire Bergey family."