Former Eagles defensive end, Willey, 83, dies

PHILADELPHIA – Norm Willey, a former Pro Bowl defensive end with the Philadelphia Eagles, died on Thursday night in Newark, Del. He was 83.

Nicknamed "Wild Man," Willey played in 92 games for the Eagles from 1950-1957 and earned All-Pro selections three times (1953, '54, '55). He was named to the Pro Bowl, as well, in 1955 and 1956.

After his playing days concluded, Willey remained in the area, and became a teacher and driver's education instructor for 30 years at Pennsville (N.J.) High. He was also an assistant football coach there.

Willey was selected by Philadelphia in the 13th round of the 1950 draft out of Marshall. His career ended in 1957.

A two-sport star with the Thundering Herd, Willey was inducted into the West Virginia school's Hall of Fame for his achievements in football and basketball.

Willey will be remembered in football circles for an incredible game he had on Oct. 26, 1952. According to accounts, in a game vs. the New York Giants, he posted 17 tackles of quarterback Charley Conerly behind the line of scrimmage.

But sacks were not recorded as official statistics back then, so he is not known as the single-game sack leader in NFL history. That title belongs to former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, who posted seven on Nov. 11, 1990, vs. the Seattle Seahawks.