By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher The Philadelphia Eagles have lost one of its greatest players. Steve Van Buren, who was a Hall of Fame running back, passed away at the age of 91-years-old. According to the Eagles, he passed away in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. An official cause of death has not been determined yet. However, online reports say that he may have died of pneumonia. He helped the Eagles to NFL titles in 1948 and 1949. He was also the first Eagles player ever to be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team in 1994. In his career, he led the NFL in rushing four times in his eight year career. He finished his career with 5,860 yards and 77 touchdowns, including five All-Pro selections. “On the field and off, as a player, a leader and a man, Steve Van Buren embodied the finest characteristics of our city and our sport,” said Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles’ chairman and CEO. “He was a friend and an inspiration to generations of fans, and the model of what an Eagle should be.” “Watch those old films and you know that Steve Van Buren was something special,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “He was special in person, too, humble about his own accomplishments and encouraging to others. His memory will be with Eagles fans for as long as this team takes the field.” Van Buren played for the Eagles from 1944 through 1951. He appeared in 83 games, including 64 starts. He had 1,320 carries for 5,860 yards and 69 touchdowns. He also had 45 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns.
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