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While an outstanding career at
a major college is the ticket to the National Football League for
hundreds of players, some take a less-traveled road from more humble
surroundings. Bill Bergey's path to the NFL led from tiny Pine Valley
Central in the Cattaraugus County town of South Dayton, through
unheralded Arkansas State (where he achieved All-America status, and
had his jersey retired as the greatest player in that school's
history) to the expansion Cincinnati Bengals as a second-round pick in
1969. Once he arrived, however, Bergey rendered the point of origin
irrelevant, as he made the most of his opportunities in a stellar
professional career.
Bergey flourished as an Eagle, and inspired a
defense that guided their rise from doormat to contender. He was named
to the All-NFL team every year from 1974 to 1978, led the Eagles in
tackles each year, and picked off 16 passes. Bergey was also a
participant in the Pro Bowl in 1974, and 1976 through 1978. The
serious knee injury he suffered in 1979 might have spelled the end for
many players, but Bill battled through the setback with a grim
determination, and returned to the Eagles for the 1980 season. His
perseverance was rewarded with a First-Team All-NFC selection by the
Sporting News, and by a trip to the Super Bowl in January 1981.
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