Tag: Timmy Brown

Eagles announce the passing of legendary TE Pete Retzlaff at the age of 88

Former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Pete Retzlaff has passed away at the age of 88

The Eagles just announced that another legendary figure has passed away, this time famed tight end, Pete Retzlaff.

“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.

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.

Former Eagles RB Timmy Brown passes away at age of 82

Eagles mourn the death of Hall of Fame RB Timmy Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles just announced that former star running back Timmy Brown has passed away at the age of 82.

Brown, an Eagles Hall of Famer, totaled over 12,000 all-purpose yards and scored 62 touchdowns while in Philadelphia.

“Timmy Brown was an all-time great Eagle and one of the most dynamic multipurpose players of his era. He overcame many obstacles in his life to enjoy success both as an athlete and as an entertainer,” Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. “A three-time Pro Bowler and member of our 1960 NFL Championship team, Timmy excelled as a running back and return specialist with his incredible athleticism and signature versatility. He was one of the most exciting players to watch during his career. Those who knew him well have said they will remember him for his outgoing, uplifting personality and the connections he built with his teammates and the community. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.”

Brown enrolled at Ball State and was a 27th-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers before legendary coach Vince Lombardi cut him after playing just one game.

Brown landed with the Eagles and the rest is history.

Brown was a member of the 1960 Eagles championship team as a kick returner and soon developed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs.

Brown led the NFL in all-purpose yardage in 1963, with 2,425 combined yards (rushing, receiving, and kick returns) during a 14-game regular season that saw the Eagles finish at 2-10-2.

Brown is the Eagles’ all-time leader in average yards per touch (6.52) and he still holds the franchise record for most kickoff returns (169), most kickoff return yards (4,483), and most kickoff returns for touchdowns (5).