NFL Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik dies at 89

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chuck Bednarik, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the last great two-way NFL players, died early today, the Philadelphia Eagles said. He was 89.

Known as "Concrete Charlie," Bednarik epitomized the tough-guy linebacker and also was an outstanding center for the Eagles from 1949 to 1962. He is best remembered for a game-saving tackle at the 9-yard line on the final play of the 1960 title game, and it was typical Bednarik. He threw Green Bay running back Jim Taylor to the ground and refused to let him up while the final seconds ticked off as the Eagles held on for a 17-13 win.

"Everybody reminds me of it, and I'm happy they remind me of it," Bednarik once said. "I'm proud and delighted to have played in that game."

He died at an assisted living facility in Richland, Pa., after a brief illness, the Eagles said in a statement.

Bednarik, who frequently criticized modern athletes, said he played on all but two kickoffs against the Packers and could have kept playing if he needed to, unlike today's players who "suck air after five plays." He missed only three games in his 14-year career.

The tackle on Taylor actually was the second hit that season that drew headlines. Earlier in 1960, he knocked out New York Giants running back Frank Gifford with a blow so hard that Gifford suffered a concussion and didn't play again until 1962.