Maxie Baughan, a legendary NFL linebacker in the 1960s, passed away at 85 on Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced on Sunday.
Baughan, who the team said died of natural causes, was a nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker who mostly starred with the Eagles and Rams over an 11-year NFL career.
The Alabama native was selected in the second round at No. 20 overall in the 1960 draft, joining an Eagles team that he immediately helped carry to new heights — Philadelphia won a championship in his rookie season.
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles family, I am saddened to learn of the passing of Maxie Baughan, one of our team’s all-time greats,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Eagles team chairman and CEO.
“A member of the 1960 NFL Championship team as a rookie, he went on to earn All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors during his career while playing a tough, hardnosed style of football. Maxie’s induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015 solidified his legacy and recognized his contributions to the team. Our hearts are with his wife, Dianne, and all Maxie’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.”
Baughan was traded to the Los Angeles Rams following the 1965 season, and the linebacker went on to compile four more Pro Bowl selections in Los Angeles while adding 11 interceptions.
He retired after the 1970 season and began coaching at his alma mater Georgia Tech before he was convinced to return to the NFL with Washington as a player-coach for one season in 1974, in which he played just two games.
Baughan would coach for 23 more seasons following that stint, holding defensive coordinator and linebacker coaching jobs for the Baltimore Colts, Lions, Vikings, Buccaneers, and the Baltimore Ravens before retiring from coaching in 1998.
He was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015.
Baughan is survived by his wife of 62 years, three children, and eight grandchildren.