Chuck Bednarik Legacy

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

On November 20, 1960, Bednarik delivered a tackle on New York Giants halfback Frank Gifford that became known simply as 'The Hit.' The clothesline tackle dropped Gifford immediately to the ground, leaving him with a severe concussion that ended his season. A Sports Illustrated photo of Bednarik standing over the unconscious Gifford in mid-celebration became iconic, though Bednarik later clarified he was celebrating the fumble recovery that clinched the victory. Years later, Gifford called it 'a clean shot' and stated, 'Chuck hit me exactly the way I would have hit him.' In the 1960 NFL Championship Game against Green Bay, Bednarik played all 58 minutes. On the final play, he tackled Jim Taylor at the eight-yard line and remained atop him as the clock expired, preserving a 17–13 win. When Taylor rose, Bednarik told him, 'You can get up now, Jim, this game is over.'

In Their Own Story

During his twelfth season in 1960, at age 35, Bednarik had been playing exclusively as a center for two years. However, during the Eagles' fifth game, left linebacker Bob Pellegrini suffered a broken leg. Coach Buck Shaw asked if Bednarik would step back into the middle linebacker role, and he enthusiastically agreed, resuming his status as a two-way player. That season culminated in the NFL Championship Game where he played 58 minutes without rest. After securing the win by tackling Jim Taylor on the final play, Eagles quarterback Norm Van Brocklin was named MVP. Bednarik later told receiver Pete Retzlaff, 'The horse did all the work ... but Paul Revere got all the credit.' Earlier in his career, he faced a famous on-field quarrel with future Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll; after punching Noll during a televised confrontation, Commissioner Bert Bell fined him $500 and ordered an apology. When Bednarik apologized, Noll reportedly just replied, 'Bullshit.'

Reader's Guide

Bednarik's legacy is defined by his durability and versatility. He played in 169 of 172 games over 14 seasons, missing only three early in his rookie year. After missing those games, he spoke with coach Earle 'Greasy' Neale, asking to be traded if he could not play; he immediately became a starter at both center and linebacker. He was named All-NFL nine times (center in 1950; linebacker from 1951–1957 and 1960) and selected to eight Pro Bowls, including winning MVP of the 1954 Pro Bowl with an interception return for a touchdown and three fumble recoveries. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility (1967) and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969. His accolades include being named to the NFL 50th, 75th, and 100th Anniversary All Time Teams. In 2021, The Athletic ranked him the 54th greatest player ever, matching his rank on The Sporting News' 1999 list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

Did You Know?

• Bednarik's nickname 'Concrete Charlie' came from his off-season job as a concrete salesman for the Warner Company, not his tackling style.
• He played all 58 minutes in the 1960 NFL Championship Game, including tackling Jim Taylor on the final play to seal the victory.
• Bednarik flew 30 combat missions over Nazi Germany as a B-24 waist gunner during World War II before his college and pro careers.
• He is the only player to be named to the NFL 50th, 75th, and 100th Anniversary All Time Teams.