Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik

Charles Philip Bednarik (born May 1, 1925) is a former professional American football player, known as one of the most devastating tacklers in the history of football and the last two-way player in the National Football League. A Slovak American from the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, he is perhaps best remembered for a tackle on the New York Giants' Frank Gifford, then a star running back, that knocked Gifford out of professional football for a year and a half, and shortened Gifford's playing career.

Bednarik played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 through 1962 and, upon retirement, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 (his first year of eligibility).

Bednarik currently resides in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley. His great-nephew, Adam Bednarik, was the starting quarterback at West Virginia University, before suffering an injury in 2005 that opened the door for fellow freshman Pat White, who never relinquished the starting position.