Former Eagles GM Jim Murray dies at 87

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Jim Murray, the former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, has died. He was 87.

Murray served as the Eagles' general manager from 1972 to 1981. During his tenure, he hired head coach Dick Vermeil, who led the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in 1980.

A Philadelphia native and graduate of Villanova University, Murray is also remembered for co-founding the first Ronald McDonald House in 1974, a milestone in providing support for families of seriously ill children.

"I think of him as one of the founding fathers of the football renaissance in Philadelphia," said ESPN's Sal Paolantonio. "Jim Murray belongs on the Mount Rushmore of sports executives in the Delaware Valley, all over the Philadelphia region. He was a great leader in this community."