Legendary NFL linebacker Maxie Baughan dies aged 85, Philadelphia Eagles announce
Legendary NFL linebacker Maxie Baughan dies at 85, Philadelphia Eagles announce
Legendary Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Maxie Baughan passed away Saturday at the age of 85, the franchise announced on Sunday.
The Alabama native died of natural causes surrounded by family in New York, the organization said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles family, I am saddened by the passing of Maxie Baughan, one of our team’s all-time greatests,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Eagles team president and CEO.
Born in Forkland, Alabama, Baughan played for coach Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech as a linebacker and center. He was a second round draft pick, No. 20 overall, by Philadelphia in 1960. He started as a rookie for the Eagles’ 1960 NFL championship team and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Baughan also played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1966-70. He was an assistant coach at Georgia Tech from 1972-73 before spending a year as a player-coach with the Washington Redskins in 1974.
Legendary Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Maxie Baughan passed away Saturday at the age of 85
Baughan also coached in the NFL as an assistant with Baltimore, Detroit, Minnesota and Tampa Bay before becoming Cornell’s coach in 1984. Baughan coached Cornell to the 1988 Ivy League co-championship, the school’s first since 1971.
Baughan was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 in the senior category last month.
“Maxie Baughan was a fierce and highly intelligent competitor, establishing herself as the best center in the country in 1959,” National Football Foundation president Archie Manning said in a press release.
His passion for the game continued throughout his life, and he has mentored countless great players over the years, both in college and in the NFL. He became an integral part of our game and we were deeply saddened when we heard of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Baughan was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1965 and the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Eagles say Baughan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dianne, three children, Max, Mark and Matt, and eight grandchildren.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said Baughan was known for “playing a tough, dogged style of football.” Maxie’s induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015 cemented his legacy and recognized his contributions to the team. Our hearts are with his wife, Dianne, and all of Maxie’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.”