Curly R Salutes Wilbert Montgomery

Number 31

The Eagles are only one season younger than the Redskins and unlike the Redskins have never moved. To mark the Eagles' upcoming 75th anniversary the Philadelphia Inquirer has compiled a list of the 75 Greatest Eagles, just as the Redskins compiled the list of the 70 Greatest Redskins to commemorate the Redskins 70th anniversary in 2002.

In tribute both to the Redskins greatest rival and lifetime Eagles fan, season ticket holder and Curly R reader/lurker Wilbert Montgomery I salute the other Wilbert Montgomery.

Wilbert played eight seasons for the Eagles, from 1977 to 1984. He was a hard-nosed runner and was the first Eagles running back I really hated. He gained over 1000 yards three times, went to two Pro Bowls (1979 when he led the league in overall yardage and in 1980) and gained 194 yards in the NFC Championship on 11 January 1981, propelling the Eagles to the Super Bowl. By the time Wilbert left the Eagles before the 1985 season, he set seven Eagles team records, all of which still stand: career rushing attempts, rushing yards, attempts in a season, rushing yards in a season, career 100-yard games, 100-yard rushing games in a season and touchdowns in a game.

After a career as an NFL player Wilbert returned to the league in 1997 as a coach with the St. Louis Rams. When the Rams won the Super Bowl in 2000 over the Tennesse Titans, Wilbert was the tight ends coach and future Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders was the receivers coach. When the Rams went again in 2002 and lost to the New England Patriots Wilbert was again the tight ends coach, this time working with Ken Zampese. Wilbert is currently the running backs coach for the Detroit Lions which means he has his work cut out for him. No Marshall Faulk there.

Wilbert Montgomery is the Philadelphia Inquirer's 6th greatest Eagle of all times.


Wikipedia entry. Other: NFL 2000 & 2002 Record & Fact Books.



Wilbert Montgomery: Philadelphia Inquirer uncredited photo from here.