CBS has lost a familiar voice and the Philadelphia Eagles has lost one of their own. Tom Brookshier has passed away at 78. The Eagles release said he died Friday night due to cancer. He is one of the best players ever to don an Eagles jersey, taken in the 10th round of the draft from the University of Colorado, “Brookie” started at cornerback as a rookie.
Brookshier caught the attention of public right away by catching eight interceptions during that rookie season
He ended up becoming an All-Pro defensive back who played on the Eagles' 1960 championship team. His 20 interceptions in seven seasons earned him an All-Pro spot in 1959 and 1960 as well.
After he retired from the game, Brookshier became a CBS announcer teaming up with the ever present Pat Summerall.
He is one of only seven Eagles to have his number retired.
"Tom Brookshier is one of all-time greats, both for what he did on the field and for the kind of man he was off the field," Eagles head coach Andy Reid said in a team statement. "I will always remember him for his booming and bright personality. He had an uncanny love for life, a love for his family and a love for the game of football, especially for the Philadelphia Eagles. He bled green and I will always cherish our conversations and the relationship that we fostered throughout my tenure in Philadelphia," a statement from the team read.
Bill Lyon of the Philadelphia Inquirer summed up the man, “He was Brookie, whatever your station in life, prince or pauper, he was Brookie. No pretense. No airs. No high-hatting. He was Brookie and you could tell when he was in the room because laughter trailed after him.”
Written by James Hirsen
HULIQ.com
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