Public viewing held for Hall of Famer, fmr. Eagle Chuck Bednarik

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Thursday, March 26, 2015
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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Friends, family members, and fans are saying goodbye to an Eagles legend today in the Lehigh Valley.

The viewing is being held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Thursday at Connell Funeral Home, located at 245 E Broad St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18018.

A private mass will be held on Friday, March 27th for friends and family.

Known as "Concrete Charlie," Bednarik epitomized the tough-guy linebacker and also was an outstanding center for the Eagles from 1949 to 1962. He is best remembered for a game-saving tackle at the 9-yard line on the final play of the 1960 title game, and it was typical Bednarik. He threw Green Bay running back Jim Taylor to the ground and refused to let him up while the final seconds ticked off as the Eagles held on for a 17-13 win.

"Everybody reminds me of it and I'm happy they remind me of it," Bednarik once said. "I'm proud and delighted to have played in that game."

He died Saturday at an assisted living facility in Richland, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness, the Eagles said in a statement.

Bednarik was 89.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.