Maxie Baughan, who played for three NFL teams and was one of the most legendary linebackers of the 1960s is no more. During his prolonged career, he earned the accolades of nine Pro Bowls, five Second-Team All-Pro along with two first-team All-Pro.
Baughan enlisted his name into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015 for his incredible six seasons with the franchise. After ending his NFL career, he became a coach and served as defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech before working as the linebackers coach with the Minnesota Vikings (1990-91), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992-95), and Baltimore Ravens (1996-98).
Maxie Baughan dies at age 85
According to the Eagles’ announcement, Baughan died on Saturday at 85 years old from natural causes in Ithaca, New York. Philly team chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie mourned for the former Philly veteran saying, “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.”
Archie Manning, the Chairman of the National Football Foundation also paid tribute to the legend in a statement and mentioned his success in the football world both as a player and a mentor.
“Maxie Baughan was a fierce and highly intelligent competitor, establishing himself as the best center in the nation in 1959… he mentored countless great players over the years, coaching both in college and the NFL. He became an integral part of our game, and we deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
The former Georgia Tech star has left his 62-year-old wife along with three children, and eight grandchildren.
Maxie Baughan NFL career recap
After being drafted by Philadelphia with 20th overall in the 1960 NFL Draft, Maxie didn’t take much time to become a starter for the squad and led them to win the championship title that year by clinching a 17-13 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the finale. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in the same year.
The Forkland, Alabama native was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1966 and he managed to reach the divisional round of the playoffs in two of his five seasons with the franchise before ending his Los Angeles journey in 1970. He later played for the Washington Commanders in 1974.
The 6-foot-1, 227-pound linebacker finished his professional career with 24.5 sacks as well as 18 interceptions. He is also one of 12 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists for the Seniors 2024 class.
Do you have any favorite memories involving Maxie? Share with us in the comments!
