The Eagles are deeply saddened to announce the passing of NFL Champion Riley Gunnels, who remained a devoted supporter of the team long after his playing career and passed his love for the Eagles down to his family. He was 87 years old when he passed away on Monday.
Gunnels was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1959 as a defensive tackle after a successful three-year stint as an offensive tackle at the University of Georgia. Though he was cut by the Steelers at the end of training camp, the Eagles signed him in 1960. With a combination of skills learned in Pittsburgh and his imposing 6-foot-3, 253-pound frame, Gunnels became an important reserve on the Eagles’ championship defense.
Reflecting on the team’s season, Gunnels recalled the initial struggles before they turned things around. “Defensively, we had a good group. We had a lot of determination,” he said in an interview for the Where Are They Now? series. “We started the season kind of rough, but after that, we played much better defense, and our offense kept scoring, winning nine straight games.”
Gunnels spoke fondly of the team’s key players, including quarterback Norm Van Brocklin and standout receivers Pete Retzlaff, Tommy McDonald, and Bobby Walston. He also highlighted running back Ted Dean, who he felt didn’t get enough credit for his contributions.
Looking back on the 1960 NFL Championship Game against the Packers, Gunnels remembered the team’s belief in their chances and the leadership that guided them to victory. “I remember the enthusiasm from the top down, and the leaders pulling us through,” he said, praising Van Brocklin’s leadership.
During his five years with the Eagles, Gunnels was named the team’s Defensive MVP in 1962. He later finished his career with the Steelers, but a knee injury led to his retirement. Reflecting on his time with the Eagles, Gunnels said, “Back in those days, when you were a Philadelphia Eagle, you never thought about being traded. That was your team, your family. I enjoyed every day I played for the fans.”
After retiring, Gunnels settled in South Jersey and ran a printing business, Signal Graphics, in Egg Harbor Township. He remained active in the Eagles’ alumni community, attending events like the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1960 Championship Team in 2010.
Gunnels was proud to see both the Eagles and his alma mater, the University of Georgia, win championships in recent years. His son, John Riley Gunnels III, described his father as a hardworking, loving man who led by example. “He was a larger-than-life guy, who did everything with effort and kindness,” he said.
Riley Gunnels is survived by his wife, Kathryn M. Gunnels, his daughter, Victoria L. LaCasse, son John Riley Gunnels III, son Christopher “Skipper” Scott Gunnels, as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 19 at 12:00 p.m. at The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association or the Special Olympics.
