Frank LeMaster, a former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71, as confirmed by the team on Saturday. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
LeMaster’s entire nine-season NFL career was spent with the Eagles, who drafted him in the fourth round (89th overall) of the 1974 NFL Draft. He was named a Pro Bowl player in 1981, a year after contributing to Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl appearance, where they were defeated by the Oakland Raiders.
Throughout his 129 career games, in which he made 115 starts, LeMaster amassed 10 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, and scored three defensive touchdowns, including two pick-6s. Remarkably, he never missed a game, starting every contest in his final eight seasons.
Before joining the NFL, LeMaster played a season at Kentucky in 1971 and was inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
LeMaster once shared a life lesson he learned from football: “You only get out of life what you put into it. If you put 110 percent into everything you do, you should walk away feeling like a winner.”
When the Eagles drafted LeMaster in 1974, he knew little about the team, given their playoff drought since the 1960 NFL Championship. Nevertheless, he dedicated himself fully to his career, playing a key role in transforming the Eagles into a competitive team.
“I just fell in love with the people,” LeMaster reflected. “Despite the team’s struggles in the early 70s, the fans were always there, filling the stadium.”
The Eagles mourn the loss of the Pro Bowl linebacker, who not only helped them secure the NFC Championship in the 1980 season but also remained a loyal fan throughout his life.
After retiring, LeMaster, along with his wife Marylou, raised their three sons—Justin, Brennan, and Alexander—in the Philadelphia area, where he worked as the vice president of sales for FieldTurf. He continued to support the Eagles, attending Training Camp with former head coach Dick Vermeil last season.