News Summary
Legendary football player Chuck Bednarik has been recognized as an all-time All-America selection by the Associated Press. This honor celebrates his remarkable contributions to both college and professional football, making him a standout figure. Bednarik, who played at the University of Pennsylvania, was named to the first-team at the center position and is noted for his dual impact on offense and defense during his 14-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He remains a beloved icon in the sport, remembered for his outstanding achievements and dedication.
Philadelphia – Chuck Bednarik, a legendary figure in both college and professional football, has been honored as an all-time All-America selection by the Associated Press, making him one of the few players recognized for his exceptional contributions to the sport. Bednarik was named to the first-team at the center position, distinguishing him as the only player from a Philadelphia-area university included on this prestigious list.
The Associated Press made this announcement in celebration of its 100th anniversary, recognizing the top college football players over the years. Bednarik, who played at the University of Pennsylvania, made a significant impact on the field, showcasing his skills on both offense and defense. He was named an AP All-American in both 1947 and 1948 and earned consensus All-American honors during his junior and senior years.
Bednarik, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, was not only a dominant player in college football but went on to have an illustrious 14-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he became a beloved superstar known as “Concrete Charlie.” His time with the Eagles saw him win two NFL championships in 1949 and 1960, validating his legacy in the NFL. His extraordinary durability was evident as he missed only three games throughout his entire career.
To be eligible for the all-time All-America team, players must have been named an AP first-team All-American at least once. The selection process does not consider players’ professional achievements, and only those athletes who were named first-team All-Americans at their respective positions or recognized as all-purpose players are considered for honors in the all-time team. Notably, former Eagles running back Herschel Walker, a three-time AP All-America selection, was also recognized on the all-time team.
The second-team All-America selections featured current Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who achieved first-team AP All-America honors in 2020 while playing at Alabama. Former Eagles quarterback Vince Young was also named to the second-team for his outstanding performance primarily during the 2005 season at Texas.
Bednarik’s career in football was punctuated by notable accomplishments, including being the first offensive lineman to win the Maxwell Award in 1948. He was chosen with the first overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft and was recognized as an eight-time Pro Bowl selection. His prowess on the field earned him the nickname “60-Minute Man” because he often played both offense and defense, demonstrating stamina and skill rarely matched in the sport.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Bednarik served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a waist gunner on a B-24, completing 30 combat missions in Europe. Following his military service, he returned to football, where he left an indelible mark on the game, including his famous tackle of Frank Gifford during a 1960 game against the New York Giants, which became a significant moment in NFL lore.
His last game was played in 1962, and Bednarik was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, following his historic NFL career. The Eagles honor Bednarik’s legacy by ensuring that his number, 60, will never be worn by another player in team history. It hangs proudly in the rafters at Lincoln Financial Field.
Chuck Bednarik passed away on March 21, 2015, at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire future generations of football players and fans alike.
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Additional Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chuck Bednarik
- Philly Sports Nation: Philly’s Own Concrete Charlie
- Inside The Iggles: 25 Eagles Who Appeared Most Games With Franchise
- Philadelphia Eagles: Chuck Bednarik – A Real American Hero
- Time: Chuck Bednarik Remembrance – NFL Iron Man
- Wikipedia: Chuck Bednarik
- Google Search: Chuck Bednarik
- Google Scholar: Chuck Bednarik
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chuck Bednarik
- Google News: Chuck Bednarik
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PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
