The Eagles just announced that another legendary figure has passed away, this time famed tight end, Pete Retzlaff.
The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of Eagles legend Pete Retzlaff. pic.twitter.com/yPy7AXyQTN
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 10, 2020
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Eagles Hall of Famer Pete Retzlaff. Pete was a revolutionary tight end and one of the most productive players in the history of our franchise,” Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. “He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a key contributor on our 1960 Championship team, and of course his number 44 was retired after he established numerous receiving records over his 11-year career. But Pete’s legacy goes far beyond the success he was able to achieve on the field. He gave so much to this organization and to our sport as a player, general manager, broadcaster, and leader of the NFLPA.”
A member of the Eagles Hall of Fame and 1960 Championship team, Retzlaff was named to five Pro Bowls and is ranked 10th on the franchises’ all-time touchdowns list.
A testament to his legacy, Pete Retzlaff is one of only nine Eagles players to have their numbers retired. pic.twitter.com/uNdBXBVJcE
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 10, 2020
Retzlaff was a 22nd-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1953 draft out of South Dakota State and served two years in the Army before the Eagles claimed him off waivers in 1956.
After being converted from fullback to tight end, Retzlaff flourished, earning five Pro Bowl selections in 11 seasons with the team.
Retzlaff retired as the Eagles all-time leader in receptions (452) and receiving yards (7,412).
He’s now tied with Brent Celek for first in most seasons played by a tight end, second in receiving yards to Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Harold Carmichael, third in receptions behind Carmichael and Zach Ertz, and fifth in receiving touchdowns.