“R.I.P King”: NFL World Pays Last Respects to LB Who Made the Super Bowl With Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles lost nine-year NFL veteran and 1980 Super Bowl champion linebacker. He established himself as a consistent force for the Eagles, earning the moniker “Iron Man”. The one-time Pro Bowler never missed a single game from 1974 through 1982, making 115 consecutive starts for the Eagles. That is some wonderful stat. The Philly organization took to Twitter to share the sad news with their loyal fanbase.

The Eagles first nabbed Frank LeMaster in the fourth round of the 1974 NFL draft. LeMaster holds a unique accolade in an Eagles uniform, scoring three touchdowns during his nine years in the league, becoming just one of three Philadelphia linebackers to do so. Even after his sad demise, the veteran will always be known for his accolades on the ground and will be remembered as a legend.

A walk of champions

Back In 1978, the Eagles reached the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades. Just two years after that, the team had conquered the NFC championships, pushing away the Dallas Cowboys in the title game.

Recalling the epic moments leading up to the win, LeMaster said, “My adrenaline was pumping so hard I couldn’t even feel my legs,” said LeMaster. “Walking down that tunnel, there was an aura of confidence like I never felt before. Not only with me but with the whole team. You could just sense it. And I knew, walking down that tunnel, that we were going to win that day. It was just a real, real powerful type of feeling,” he added.

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LeMaster clarified that the Eagles fans stuck by the team not just during moments of victory, but also during their struggles as well.

“I just fell in love with the people. After that first year and the fans, I couldn’t believe it, The Eagles were only winning two, three, or four games in the early 70s, but every game they packed the stadium. They were there,” he added.

LeMaster followed through with his love for the Eagles to the very end, making occasional appearances at Training Camp with his former head coach Dick Vermeil. NFL fans from all over the world flocked together to pay homage to one of the crucial architects of the modern-day Eagles franchise.

Fans wave goodbye to a legend

While fans are still not aware of the manner of LeMaster’s death, several took to social media to pay tribute to the late great.

One fan went on to wish peace upon the deceased legend, “R.I.P. KING”.

While another recalled a rather personalized memory of LeMaster, “I had a signed picture of him that my pilot dad got when he was on his flight once.”

One particular fan went on to wish prayers for the ones LeMaster left behind.

One former Eagles youth camp participant recalled meeting the champion.

There are still fans out there who remember Frank’s flawless plays.

The numerous fan reactions solidified that Frank LeMaster might have passed on but not forgotten by the Philly nation.

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