A stunning number of ex-Philadelphia Eagles have died in 2026. Here’s what we know

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The NFL season is officially underway, and while the Philadelphia Eagles are looking toward the future with high hopes, the franchise is simultaneously reflecting on a heartbreaking start to 2026. This year has seen the loss of at least six former players who once donned the Eagles uniform.

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Billy Ray Barnes

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Billy Ray Barnes, who passed away at age 90, died on Dec. 31 in Landis, North Carolina, though the news was not reported until early January. The team commemorated his life with a tribute on its official website. Barnes, a Wake Forest standout, was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 1957 NFL Draft. Over five seasons in Philadelphia, he earned three Pro Bowl nods and was a key contributor to the 1960 NFL Championship team. His daughter, Billi Barnes Akins, recalled that her father thrived on the team's underdog status during that title run, noting, \"He said the only thing that allowed them to win was their team.\"" ",", "

Jack Crabtree

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Jack Crabtree, a former University of Oregon star quarterback who was drafted by the Eagles in 1958, died on March 16 at the age of 90. The Oregon football team's official account on X confirmed the passing of the 1958 Rose Bowl MVP. Despite being selected by Philadelphia in the 12th round, Crabtree spent two years serving in the Army before later playing for the Denver Broncos and Chargers.

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Kevin Johnson

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The sports community was met with disturbing news regarding former Eagles defensive tackle Kevin Johnson. The 55-year-old was found dead on Jan. 21 near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. According to reports cited by NBC, investigators are looking into potential connections between his death and three other homicides involving unhoused individuals in the Willowbrook area. Johnson played for the Eagles during the 1995 and 1996 seasons after a college career at Texas Southern.

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Sonny Jurgensen

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen died on Feb. 6 at age 91. A fourth-round draft pick by Philadelphia in 1957, Jurgensen was instrumental in the team's 1960 NFL Championship. Over a storied career that spanned until 1974, he led the NFL in passing yards five times and finished with 32,224 passing yards and 255 touchdowns.

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Eric Wilburn

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The Eagles also mourned the loss of Eric Wilburn, who died in a house fire in Memphis on Feb. 6 at age 62. As Action News 5 reported, the former defensive back and Super Bowl XXII champion played for the Eagles during the 1995 and 1996 seasons. Wilburn was a standout at Ole Miss and later led the NFL with nine interceptions in 1987.

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Charle Young

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Tight end Charle Young, a 1973 first-round draft pick for the Eagles, died on March 12 at age 75. Following his time in Philadelphia, Young played for the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks, eventually securing a Super Bowl XVI victory while with San Francisco. He concluded his career with 418 catches and 27 touchdowns.

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