Philadelphia Eagles react to Pete Retzlaff passing away

Another member of the Philadelphia Eagles fraternity and family passed recently. This time, it’s the legendary Pete Retzlaff.

For 11 seasons, Pete Retzlaff crafted a career with the Philadelphia Eagles that some would say is worthy of his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Believe it or not, he was drafted in the 22nd round of the 1953 NFL Draft. Can you imagine if there were that many rounds now? The draft would go on for a week.

During a career that was played entirely in a green jersey, Retzlaff performed triple duty as a halfback, split end, and tight end before helping the Eagles win the 1960 NFL Championship and finding his way into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.

For his career, he hauled in 452 receptions for 7,412 yards and 47 touchdowns, and he was the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards when he finally hung the cleats up. He’s still tenth on the franchise’s list of players who have caught the most touchdowns. No one will ever wear the number “44” again in an Eagles jersey as Philly retired his number. He’s a member of a small fraternity that has been given that honor (nine men). Shortly after dinner time on the East Coast, the Eagles organization released a statement via their website and on their social media accounts.

"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. 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."

Here’s more.

"He stayed connected with the team and the city of Philadelphia for many years after his retirement. 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."

Here are a few highlights via social media.

On behalf, of the ITI staff, our memories of Retzlaff will be fond ones. Hopefully, he’s found Timmy Brown and Tom Dempsey in Heaven by now and they’re having a nice talk.