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Recognizing and honoring former Philadelphia Eagles coach Richard Albert “Dick” Vermeil for his distinguished 15-year NFL coaching career and congratulating him on being inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
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WHEREAS, Richard “Dick” Vermeil grew up in Calistoga, California and graduated from San Jose State University. Following his graduation from college, he coached high school and collegiate football. As Head Coach of the University of California, Los Angeles, he led the team to a victory in the Rose Bowl in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Vermeil became the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976, taking the helm of a team that had not qualified for the postseason in sixteen years; and
WHEREAS, In 1978 Vermeil coached what is to be considered one of the greatest games in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles history - “Miracle at the Meadowlands.” The Miracle at the Meadowlands is not only considered a significant part of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise, but the history of the NFL and the subsequent impact it had on the sport; and
WHEREAS, In the 1979 season, the Philadelphia Eagles led by Vermeil finished with a 11-5 record and won their first playoff game since 1960, ending a 20-year playoff drought; and
WHEREAS, Vermeil was instrumental in leading the Philadelphia Eagles defeat of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1980 NFC Championship game, propelling them to their first Super Bowl in franchise history; and
WHEREAS, Vermeil's tenure with the Eagles is documented in the 2006 movie “Invincible.” The movie depicts the open tryouts that occurred that year, the story of little-known wide receiver and Philadelphia native Vince Papale, and the subsequent run to the Super Bowl in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Following his departure from the Eagles in 1982, Vermeil became the head coach of the then St. Louis Rams from 1997-2000 where he led the team to a Superbowl Victory in 2000. He also served as the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001-2005; and
WHEREAS, Vermeil has received numerous awards over his coaching career including the distinguished NFL Coach of the Year Award in 1999. He has also been recognized as Coach of the Year on numerous different levels throughout his career; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his successful coaching career, Vermeil spent 14 seasons as an NFL and college football analyst for CBS and ABC; and
WHEREAS, Vermeil was named the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia’s Person of the Year in 1985. He was subsequently inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003; and
WHEREAS, In 2022, the National Football League inducted Richard “Dick” Vermeil into the National Football Hall of Fame. His dedication to the sport of football should be forever memorialized; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the lifelong dedication of Richard “Dick” Vermeil to the sport of football shall be eternally honored and congratulated by virtue of this resolution.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Richard Albert “Dick” Vermeil, as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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