A Knob of Destiny
Zack Baun was in a linebacker meeting at the NovaCare Complex last month, deep in strategy and game plans, when Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ general manager, interrupted with a surprising request. Roseman, holding a gold medallion that once belonged to the legendary Bill Bergey, asked Baun if he would wear it for the remainder of the playoff run. A moment of silence followed as the gravity of this gesture sank in. Baun, a player known for his tenacity and skill, felt an overwhelming sense of honor and responsibility. The medallion, featuring the old Eagles logo with spread wings, was a powerful symbol of the franchise’s storied past and the indomitable spirit of Bill Bergey. "Absolutely honored," Baun said later. "Absolutely honored to be representing him, his family, and his legacy that way. It’s really cool."
A Legacy Remembered
Bill Bergey, a former All-Pro linebacker for the Eagles, passed away on Christmas morning after a prolonged battle with cancer. His legacy, however, remains deeply rooted in the hearts of Eagles fans and the team itself. Roseman, upon hearing the news, reached out to Bergey’s son, Jake, to offer his condolences and support. This was the beginning of a touching tribute that would span the team’s playoff journey. The two continued to exchange messages, and the week before the NFC Championship Game, Roseman asked Jake if his father had any good luck charms. Jake, after consulting with his mother, Mickey Kay, remembered the gold medallion that his father had worn throughout his career. Originally a gift from Mickey after Bergey’s first All-Pro season in 1974, the medallion became a constant companion for Bill, a symbol of his achievements and the pride he felt in being part of the Eagles. "He never took it off," Jake said. "As long as I can remember him, he wore it. Mom got it for him when he was All-Pro his first time, and he never took it off. He showered in it, he played in it, everything."
The Gift of Hope
The medallion was not just a piece of jewelry; it was a talisman that carried the weight of Bill Bergey’s storied career. Roseman, recognizing the significance of this artifact, decided to entrust it to Baun, a fellow linebacker who had earned the respect and admiration of the team through his outstanding performance in the 2024 season. Baun, signed as an afterthought in March, had quickly become a full-time starting inside linebacker, racking up 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 11 tackles for loss, and an interception. At 28, Baun was at the peak of his powers, and the medallion seemed to fit his journey perfectly. "My dad watched every game through this whole season up until his passing," Jake Bergey said. "He certainly admired the way [Baun] played. He’d often just mention how much he liked watching him play. It was fitting that he wore it."
Full Circle in the Superdome
The Eagles’ trip to Super Bowl LIX marked their second journey to New Orleans this season. Before their Week 3 game against the Saints, Roseman learned that Bergey was seriously ill. He promised to bring a game ball if the Eagles won, and they did, 15-12. True to his word, Roseman delivered the game ball to Bergey. The Superdome, a place of mixed emotions for the Eagles, held a special significance for Bill Bergey. It was the site of Super Bowl XV, where the Eagles lost to the Oakland Raiders 27-10 in what would be Bergey’s final NFL game. Forty-four years later, Baun walked into the same stadium, this time wearing Bergey’s medallion. The contrast was stark, but the spirit of the game remained the same. "It was just a fitting tribute," Jake said, "to see [Baun] walk into the Superdome wearing that medallion."
A Special Birthday
Suprisingly, Super Bowl LIX fell on a significant date: February 9, which would have been Bill Bergey’s 80th birthday. This coincidence added an extra layer of poignancy to the event. The Bergey family, about 20 of them, gathered at Mickey Kay’s house to watch the game. They were decked out in Bill’s iconic No. 66 jersey, a visual testament to their deep connection to the Eagles and their father’s legacy. As the Eagles dominated the Chiefs, winning 40-22, the family sang, danced, and played the fight song after every score. "It was kind of surreal watching them take it to them like that," Jake said. "We had a great time. We certainly missed my dad, but it was as good as it possibly could be." The victory was a bittersweet moment, a triumph that Bill could not witness in person but one that he was surely cheering from beyond the stars.
Returning the Relic
In the coming weeks, Roseman and the Eagles will return the gold medallion to the Bergey family, where it belongs. But the medallion’s journey with Baun during the playoffs has created a lasting memory, a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Bill Bergey. The honor of wearing the medallion was not just a privilege for Baun; it was a bridge connecting the past and the present, a symbol of the unwavering spirit that defines the Eagles. "It was just an honor to wear it," Baun reflected, "and to represent him and his family." The medallion’s return will mark the end of a beautiful chapter, but the bond it forged will remain a cherished part of Eagles history.
