Eagles fans, management and players alike share heavy hearts on Thursday, as former Philadelphia Eagles RB and Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren passed away. He was 91 years old.
The Eagles shared the saddening news through a press release.
The Philadelphia Eagles today announce with deep sadness the death of Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Steve Van Buren. He passed away from pneumonia at the age of 91 in Lancaster, PA. He is survived by three daughters and a large loving family.
"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 Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie. "He was a friend and an inspiration to generations of fans, and the model of what an Eagle should be."
The list of accolades for Van Buren is never ending. He won rushing titles in 1945, and 1947-1949, becoming the first running back in the history of the NFL to win three consecutive titles in a row. He was selected to 7 consecutive times to the All-Pro team from 1943-1950. Van Buren scored the only Touchdown in the 1948 Championship game, helping give the Eagles their first Championship title. They would win it again the next year. He held a 66 year old record for touchdowns in a season with 18 before LeSean McCoy broke it this past season.
Not only was he an iconic figure in Philadelphia Eagles history, but the NFL as well. He helped shape the running game in professional football, and helped make it what it is today.
Jake Pavorsky is a contributor for Eagledelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @JakePavorsky.
