The Eagles, present and past, continued to react late into the day on Saturday after the news that former Eagles great Tom Brookshier passed away on Friday night at the age of 78. Here is what some of the key Eagles figures had to say about Mr. Brookshier ...
Eagles Chairman Jeffrey Lurie:"One of the reasons we have always been so proud to be a part of the Eagles family is because great men of character like Tom Brookshier were the bricks in the foundation of the franchise. This man could literally light up a room, and he brought the same passion and intensity to his playing and broadcasting careers. Tom Brookshier will forever remain an integral part of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was and will always be a champion. Christina and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Barbara, his family, and anyone who had the pleasure of calling Tom Brookshier a friend."
Eagles President Joe Banner: "As few may know, back in the mid 1970s, I worked in broadcasting in Philadelphia at the same station [WCAU] as Tom Brookshier. Although I was only 21 years old at the time and very inexperienced, the first person to greet, embrace and take me under his wing was Tom. I will never forget that such a highly accomplished, highly respected person that Tom was and will forever be in this city, took the time to welcome and care for me. I will never forget his warmth and friendly personality."
Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik and former teammate of Brookshier: "Tom Brookshier represented everything you could want in a teammate and friend. Brookie was one of the best people that I've ever known and I am proud to have remained his friend for so many years. He was always a leader on the field and in the locker room and might have been the toughest defensive back of our era; he was a hitter. We've lost one of the great Eagles of all time."
Former Eagles quarterback and Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski: "Tom Brookshier was an icon in Philadelphia sports. When I was traded to the Eagles in 1977, Tom took me under his wing and taught me the passion of Philadelphia Eagles fans. For that, I am forever grateful. Brookie also led by example; he was always willing to give back to the community. His commitment to the Maxwell Football Club helped it become recognized as the number one club in America to promote the game of football at all levels. We lost a great leader in Tom Brookshier."
Long-time Eagles public relations director Jim Gallagher: "Brookie was a special person and a heckuva football player. After his career was stopped short by a broken leg, he got into radio and TV and did a super job with that. He was one of the best in the business working alongside Pat Summerall. Tom was really one of the best tacklers I have ever seen - he tackled like Pop Warner would want him to. But the thing I remembered most about him as a player was that he was a team leader. All the guys loved him and thought the world of him. He was a dear friend. When Brookie came into a room, it lit up like sunshine."
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-- Posted by Dave Spadaro, 3:27 p.m., January 30*
