Chuck Bednarik, one of the most iconic members of the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL, passed away over the weekend at the age of 89. The Bethlehem native and Liberty High School graduate was known as one of the toughest players in the NFL during his 14 seasons (1949-1962) with the Eagles and was apart of two NFL championship teams, as well as being a first ballot member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

In 2013, Liberty honored Bednarik with a grand ceremony inside Memorial Gymnasium as part of an NFL sponsored "Hometown Hall of Famers" program that recognized members of the hall of fame across the country.

A seven-foot bronze statue of the legendary player stands in the southwest corner of Frank Banko Field.

Bednarik loved Bethlehem and the Eagles and the ceremony celebrated the life and career of one of the last two-way players in the league.

"I've been through many, many things and this is my all-time number one," said Bednarik at the time in regards to how he felt about receiving the honor at Liberty. "I love it here."

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie released this statement on Bednarik's passing.

"With the passing of Chuck Bednarik, the Eagles and our fans have lost a legend," Lurie said. "Philadelphia fans grow up expecting toughness, all-out effort and a workmanlike attitude from this team and so much of that image has its roots in the way Chuck played the game. He was a Hall of Famer, a champion and an all-time Eagle. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time."

Armed with the nickname 'Concrete Charlie' because of his toughness on the field, as well as his of-season job as a concrete salesman for the Warner Company, Bednarik was an all-time great and is considered the greatest Eagle of all-time.

He garnered a team record eight Pro Bowl nominations, eight All-Pro selections.

His No. 60 jersey is one of nine numbers to be retired by the Eagles. He played in 169 career games, notching 20 interceptions on defense, including one returned for a touchdown.

Born on May 1, 1925, in Bethlehem, Bednarik played football at the University of Pennsylvania after serving in World War II, where he flew 30 missions as a B-24 waist gunner and was awarded the Air Medal.

Bednarik went on to earn All-America honors in his final two seasons at Penn and was selected by the Eagles first over in the 1949 NFL draft.

Since 1995, the Maxwell Football Club annually gives out the "Chuck Bednarik Award" to college football's best defensive player.

Bednarik is survived by Emma, his wife of 67 years, five daughters; Charlene Thomas, Donna Davis, Carol Safarowic, Pam McWilliams, and Jackie Chelius, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A public viewing for Bednarik will be held on Thursday at Connell Funeral Home in Bethlehem.

Viewing hours are 12-4 and 6-9 pm.