NFL legend Maxie Baughan has passed away at the age of 85 on Saturday.
The iconic Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, who hailed from Alabama, died from natural causes while surrounded by his family, the Eagles confirmed in a statement.
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles family, I am saddened to learn of the passing of Maxie Baughan, one of our team’s all-time greats,” CEO and chairman Jeffrey Lurie said.
“A member of the 1960 NFL Championship team as a rookie, he went on to earn All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors during his career while playing a tough, hardnosed style of football.point 272 |
Maxie’s induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015 solidified his legacy and recognized his contributions to the team.point 105 | Our hearts are with his wife, Dianne, and all Maxie’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.point 189 | ”point 192 | 1
Kicking off his career in 1960, Baughan was the 20th overall pick drafted by Philadelphia who quickly earned his first Pro Bowl selection by making it into the Eagles’ NFL championship team.
After several years with the Eagles, Baughan joined the Los Angeles Rams and stayed with the team from 1966 to 1970 before taking on a role of an assistant coach at Georgia Tech in 1972 and later as a player-coach for the Washington Redskins in 1974.
Throughout his 11-year football career, the linebacker played in nine Pro Bowls and went on to appear in 147 games.
Paying a tribute to the late footballer was Archie Manning of the National Football Foundation who branded Baughan as a “fierce and highly intelligent competitor.”
“His passion for the game continued throughout his lifetime, and he mentored countless great players over the years, coaching both in college and the NFL,” he said.
“He became an integral part of our game, and we deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
For his achievements in football, Baughan was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame back in 1965. In 2015, he was also inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame.
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