Simmons Resolution Honors Life of NFL Hall of Famer and Philadelphia Eagles Legend Chuck Bednarik
HARRISBURG – With members of the Charles “Chuck” Bednarik family in attendance, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously approved a condolence resolution honoring the life of the National Football League Hall of Fame center and linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, sponsored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton).
Bednarik passed away on March 21, 2015, at an assisted-living facility in Richland at the age of 89.
“I am humbled to be able to sponsor House Resolution 740, which honors and remembers a true NFL icon who helped the Eagles win two NFL championships, in 1949 and 1960,” said Simmons. “‘Concrete Charlie,’ as he was known, was a devastating tackler and the last full-time, two-way player in the league – a ‘sixty-minute man.’
“In addition to being an outstanding football player, Mr. Bednarik was a wonderful family man who loved and appreciated the people of the Lehigh Valley, where he spent the last 35 years of his life. As he once put it in an interview, I never forgot my roots and my friends, and I wanted to be back home with them,” Simmons added.
To view a video of Simmons’ remarks visit here.
To download a broadcast quality video of Simmons’ remarks click here.
Bednarik is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emma. Their five daughters: Charlene, Donna, Carol, Pam and Jackie, were present in the House chamber along with other family members.
Charles Philip Bednarik was born on May 1, 1925, in Bethlehem, PA. After playing high school football, he joined the United States Army Air Corps and flew 30 bombing missions over Europe in World War II as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator. Bednarik earned an Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and five battle stars for his courageous military service.
When he returned home, Bednarik played college football at the University of Pennsylvania and was a two-time All-American. He also earned the Maxwell Award as the nation’s most outstanding college player.
Bednarik went on to be the first overall pick in the 1948 NFL draft when he was selected by the Eagles. His number 60 jersey is one of only nine numbers to be retired by the team.
Representative Justin Simmons
131st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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