Eagles lose another legend as Retzlaff dies

For the third time in less than a week, another Eagles icon has passed away.

Five-time Pro Bowl tight end Pete Retzlaff died at age 88 Friday in Pottstown.

Retzlaff, Timmy Brown and Tom Dempsey all died within six days. Retzlaff and Brown played on the Eagles’ 1960 championship team.

Kicker Tom Dempsey, who booted the iconic 63-yard field goal in a 1970 game for the Saints, passed away in a New Orleans nursing home from complications from the coronavirus.

Retzlaff and Brown causes.

“Pete was a revolutionary tight end and one of the most productive players in the history of our franchise,” Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement distributed on Twitter. “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.”

The Detroit Lions took Retzlaff off the

died

of

natural board in the 22nd round of the 1953 draft. Retzlaff never played a down for the Lions.

The Eagles purchased the rights to Retzlaff, who grew up in North Dakota and attended South Dakota State, after he spent two years in the army. It proved to be one of the best acquisitions they’ve made.

Retzlaff led the Eagles in most receiving categories from 1956-66, finishing with

453 catches for 7,412 yards (16.4 average) and 47 touchdowns. He led the league with

56 receptions in 1958. He was all-pro twice and is among eight Eagles to have their numbers retired.

“He stayed connected with the team and the city of Philadelphia for many years after his retirement,” Lurie said in the statement. “I had the pleasure of spending time with Pete over the years and I will always remember him as a true gentleman who was kind and genuine and who connected so well with others. On behalf of the organization, our thoughts are with Pete’s family and friends as we mourn the passing of an Eagles legend.”

Retzlaff served on the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA board of directors, representing the greater Philadelphia area. Retzlaff and his wife Patty volunteered at the Boyertown YMCA.

She survives him after 66 years of marriage, along with daughters Kris Schroeder, Daniene Skean and Carol Moser, son Jim, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.