Pete Retzlaff obit

Philadelphia Eagles legend Pete Retzlaff dies at 88

He was not on the list.

Pete Retzlaff, a captain and integral part of the Philadelphia Eagles' 1960 NFL championship team, died Friday of natural causes, the team announced. He was 88.

Retzlaff played for the Eagles from 1956-1966. When he retired, he was the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (452) and receiving yards (7,412). He was named to the Eagles' Hall of Fame in 1989.

Retzlaff, who wore No. 44, is one of only nine Eagles to have his number retired.

“Pete's legacy goes far beyond the success he was able to achieve on the field,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “He gave so much to this organization and to our sport as a player, general manager, broadcaster, and leader of the NFLPA.

"He stayed connected with the team and the city of Philadelphia for many years after his retirement. I had the pleasure of spending time with Pete over the years and I will always remember him as a true gentleman who was kind and genuine and who connected so well with others.

"On behalf of the organization, our thoughts are with Pete's family and friends as we mourn the passing of an Eagles legend."

Retzlaff came to the Eagles in 1956 after attending college at South Dakota State. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1953, but spent two years in the Army. The Eagles then signed him off waivers.

Retzlaff was originally a fullback, and the Eagles converted him to tight end. Even now, Retzlaff ranks second in Eagles' history in receiving yards, behind only wide receiver Harold Carmichael, and third in receptions behind Carmichael and Zach Ertz.

Ertz passed Retzlaff in receptions last September.

Retzlaff was named to five Pro Bowls. He was nicknamed "The Baron" by teammate Tom Brookshier, and "Pistol Pete" by former Eagles broadcaster Bill Campbell.

Retzlaff led the NFL in receptions with 56 in 1958. He was even better in the championship season in 1960. He led the Eagles with 46 receptions and averaged 18 yards per catch. In the title game victory over the Packers, Retzlaff's 41-yard reception resulted in a field goal that gave the Eagles a 10-6 lead late in the first half.

In 1965, Retzlaff had 1,190 yards receiving, which is the most yards for a tight end in team history, and still ranks among the top totals for a tight end in a single season.

For his career, Retzlaff averaged 16.4 yards per reception.

After retiring, Retzlaff served as vice president and general manager from 1969-72. He was a broadcaster for the following two seasons. He also served as a president of the NFL Players Association.

"Pete was proud to have played his entire career in Philadelphia," the Retzlaff family said in a statement. "Our family can't thank the Eagles and the wonderful fans enough for their support that bolstered his playing years and beyond.

"Pete set lofty goals for himself. He believed in hard work, honesty, and always giving 100 percent effort. Throughout his life, he believed in giving back to the community as a thank you for what they gave to him."

Retzlaff is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patty, their four children, 10 grandchildren  and 12 great-grandchildren.