Chuck Bednarik to be Inducted into County Hall of Fame
Southern Lehigh resident "Concrete Charlie" will be among the first round of inductees.
This month, Lehigh County celebrates its bicentennial by inducting 24 people with ties to the Lehigh Valley into the brand new Lehigh County Hall of Fame.
Among the inductees is Southern Lehigh resident Chuck Bednarik. Bednarik, an NFL Hall of Famer, played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962. According to Wikipedia, Bednarik was a first round, first draft pick for the Eagles. He was known as a "devastating tackler," benching the New York Giants' Frank Gifford for over 18 months following a ferocious hit during the 1960 season. Bednarik was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1967.
After football, Bednarik owned a construction business. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Coopersburg and the proud father of five daughters, the 86-year-old Bednarik is an early riser who attends Mass every day. Last year, while visiting with students at St. Michael the Archangel school, he showed the students that he keeps a rosary in his pocket, telling them he wouldn’t go without it.
When asked about some of the things he likes to do, he said he enjoys going outside—his home is in a country setting—to say prayers and look at the deer.
The full list of Lehigh County Inductees can ve viewed online.
Steve
6:52 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
it's "concrete" Charlie not cement Charlie
Elizabeth Rich
8:36 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Whoops! That's what happens when a Kansas City Chiefs fan writes the story. Consider it changed. Thanks @Stew!
Michael Eddinger
11:43 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Not thanks "Stew", it's should be "Thanks Steve".... really on top of your game today, huh?
Elizabeth Rich
12:06 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
God, I really am off my game today! Sorry, @Steve, for the gaffe...
Chandler
9:32 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What makes Bednarik a Lehigh Valley Hall of Famer? Just because he lives in Lehigh County now? He grew up in Bethlehem, went to Liberty High School, served in the Air Force and then played college football in Philly and on to the pros.. I think that would make him a Northampton County Hall of Famer.
Bob Jones
9:50 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
It's Lehigh Valley, not Lehigh County.
RB10
9:45 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Congrats to Chuck...great guy and sure glad he never tackled ME!
Chandler
9:47 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
And John Grogan a Lehigh Valley Hall of Famer? He is grew up in Michigan, went to college in Michigan. He did not move here until an adult. Why isn't the Lehigh Valley looking within the Lehigh Valley for people to honor?? I am sure there are many, many people they could honor that have been born here, and worked and lived in the Lehigh Valley their entire lives.
S
12:52 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Let's get real here - why is there even a Lehigh County Hall of Fame...?? Hopefully it's privately funded - otherwise a tremendous waste of taxpayer dollars...
Elizabeth Rich
9:52 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Hi @bob. According to the website, it is the Lehigh County Hall of Fame. All the inductees are from Lehigh County. http://www.lehighcounty.org/bicentennial.aspx
Bob Jones
11:40 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Correct. Sorry, Chief’s fan. "Lehigh Valley HOF” would have been a broader title though and eliminated some of the residency hair- splitting . Guess it's tied to the Lehigh County bicentennial though. Regardless of where he lives or lived, Chuck B’s a HOF’er for sure. There will never be another player as complete as he was.
Chandler
12:29 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Yes---thank you Elizabeth. The article states Lehigh County Hall of Fame.
Stew
7:34 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Chuck Bednarik was also known as one of the last 60 minute men. Meaning that he played both offense and defense for the entire NFL for game.