Steve Van Buren, considered by many to be the best player in Philadelphia Eagles franchise history, died Thursday at the age of 91.
Eagles Hall Of Famer Steve Van Buren Dead At 91
Philadelphia Eagles legend Steve Van Buren passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday.
Van Buren led the league in rushing on four different occasions and finished his career in 1951 as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He was the first Eagles player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie released a statement on the death of Van Buren (via Bleeding Green Nation):
“On the field and off, as a player, a leader and a man, Steve Van Buren embodied the finest characteristics of our city and our sport,” said Lurie. “He was a friend and an inspiration to generations of fans, and the model of what an Eagle should be.”
Van Buren joined the Eagles after a decorated career at LSU and he was an integral part of two NFL Championships. Current Eagles head coach Andy Reid also released a statement on the passing of the franchise legend (via SB Nation Philly):
“Watch those old films and you know that Steve Van Buren was something special,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He was special in person, too, humble about his own accomplishments and encouraging to others. His memory will be with Eagles fans for as long as this team takes the field.”
Van Buren is survived by his three daughters, 16 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
For more on Van Buren and his days with the Eagles, visit Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly.
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