Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced the passing of Riley Gunnels, a former NFL Champion and dedicated team member, at the age of 87. Gunnels passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy in both his professional and personal life.

Initially drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1959 as a defensive tackle, Gunnels transitioned to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960. His tenure with the Eagles was marked by his significant contribution to their championship defense. Reflecting on his time with the team, Gunnels once stated, "Defensively, we had a good group. We had a lot of determination and turned some bad efforts into good efforts."

Gunnels played five seasons with the Eagles and was recognized as the team's Defensive MVP in 1962. He concluded his football career after returning to play for two years with the Steelers before retiring due to a knee injury.

Post-retirement, Gunnels settled in South Jersey where he ran Signal Graphics, a printing company located in Egg Harbor Township. He remained an active participant in alumni events and celebrated milestones such as the 50th anniversary of the Eagles' 1960 Championship Team.

His son, John Riley Gunnels III, shared fond memories of his father: "I love my dad. He always set the example...He was literally a larger-than-life guy."

Riley Gunnels is survived by his wife Kathryn M. Gunnels (nee McClatchy), daughter Victoria L. LaCasse (nee Gunnels) and her husband Joseph LaCasse, son John Riley Gunnels III and wife Bobbi Ann Gunnels (nee Connell), son Christopher "Skipper" Scott Gunnels, along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Service of Memory and Love will be held on Thursday at The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo in New Jersey. The family requests donations be made to either the American Diabetes Association or Special Olympics instead of flowers.