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Steve Van Buren
Steve Van Buren
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Steve Van Buren Obituary
The Eagles said Van Buren died Thursday in Lancaster, Pa., of pneumonia.
The former LSU star, nicknamed "Wham-Bam" for his quick and punishing running style, joined the Eagles in 1944 as a first-round pick. He led the NFL in rushing four times and finished his eight-year career with 5,860 yards rushing and 77 TDs.
The five-time All-Pro player was selected to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team in 1994, and was the first Eagles player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"I've seen them all — Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski," Greasy Neale, Van Buren's coach with the Eagles, told the Philadelphia Daily News in 1957, "but he's the greatest."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound back sustained a leg injury in training camp before the 1952 season and retired as the NFL's career rushing leader. The Eagles later retired his No. 15.
"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."
Van Buren set the Eagles' single-game rushing record with 205 yards against Pittsburgh in 1949, and is second in team history with his 77 touchdowns. He also holds the club record for most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown with eight in 1947.
"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."
One of his most memorable plays came in the 1948 NFL championship game, played in a driving snowstorm at Shibe Park. He scored the only touchdown of the game on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter and the Eagles beat the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 for the franchise's first title. Nearly a year to the day later, this time in mud and torrential rain in Los Angeles, Van Buren ran for 196 yards and the Eagles beat the Rams 14-0 to become the first — and only — team to shut out opponents in consecutive championships.
Van Buren was born in La Ceiba, Honduras. His parents died when he was 10, and he moved to New Orleans to live with his grandparents. He failed to make his high school football team as a sophomore, but played well enough as a senior to earn a scholarship at LSU.
With the Tigers, Van Buren was used primarily as a blocking back until his senior season, when he led the nation in scoring with 98 points and rushed for 847 yards.
Van Buren is survived by three daughters.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
39 Entries
Sandra Schrotenboer
February 8, 2019
He was a great guy. A gentleman, a kind and giving person. A friend. We had great conversations. He was the best Eagles player they ever had. I will never forget him.
Rocke Sweaney
September 7, 2012
I live in Canton, Ohio, and met Mr. Van Buren many times when he would be in Canton during HOF week. He was always very nice, liked to talk with fans, and sign autographs. May he rest in Peace in the comfort of Our SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
September 3, 2012
May God give Steve family peace in their time of sorrow.
August 30, 2012
You have my deepest condolences, may the God of all comfort give strength and fond memories comfort in the days ahead.
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Mark McFadden
August 28, 2012
Condolences to the Van Buren family. Growing up in Philly, I have always been a die-hard Eagles fan, and know my Eagles history as well. My father would also tell me stories of the Eagle teams during his childhood, and Van Buren was always a standout. He was one of the greatest Eagles of all time (he and Bednarik), and made a lot of headlines and great memories for so many in Philly during his time. Great man as well!
August 27, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to all of Van Buren family. Steve was the greatest player during the years he played. He was a true model for all future players to follow. He was my hero at eight years of age and will always be as long as I live. Bob Nonemaker
Linda
August 27, 2012
To Steve Van Buren family and friends my condolences are for you at this sad time. May the God of all comfort be with you all through your prayers.
A O
August 27, 2012
To The Van Buren Family
With deep sympathy and a heavy heart ,I write these words for your family. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the pleasant memories that you have, and may they comfort you, and bring you strength, in your time of grief. May you also find comfort with the thoughts below:
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
This verse found @ Isaiah 49:13 has comforted me, I hope that t comforts you as well.
With Deepest Sympathy
Mike Myers
August 26, 2012
One of the true great men on and off the field....had so much admiration and respect for this true MAN'S MAN.
THE REAL MEN ARE LEAVING US WHEN WE NEED THEM MOST!
Jerry Harrar
August 26, 2012
Many of todays athletes would do well to emulate him...so long to another great one....jh
Nancy Conan
August 25, 2012
To me, Mr. Van Buren was not a football hero, but the father of my best friend, his daughter Gail. We lived next door for many years and I came to know him as a loving father who would do anything for his girls. When the weather was bad, he would drive us to school...if we needed a lifeguard to go swimming, he was there. So many happy stories, so little room here. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and in some ways was like a big kid, enjoying his role as Dad probably more than his years playing football. He became like a second Father to me. His girls adored him and my heart breaks for their loss, but I am sure that he will continue to watch over them, their children and grandchildren. I just wanted to let his fans know what a wonderful, loving person he was.
My love and prayers to his famiy.
August 25, 2012
STEVE WAS HARD TO TACKEL KNEES UP HIGH
MET HIM AT PHILLY PARK,ENJOY SMOKING
HE IS STILL THE BEST IN MY BOOKS
REST IN PEACE.
August 25, 2012
I met Steve four times ,he was always very nice & he gave me a special photo & signed it. god bless this great player & beautiful man.
Irv Soloway
August 25, 2012
When I was 7 or 8 years old my father tok me to an Eagles game at Shibe Park. Since that day, when I first saw Steve Van Buren, he has been my hero, my idol, and my role model. I remember vividly standing in the tunnel at half-time with a program and gazing in awe at this imposbly large man (I was a short kid and Steve was huge - thanks to his shoulder pads) and he reached down and took my program and a pen and signed it. I was literally awestruck. I will never forget Mr. Van Buren - a great, great ball player and a marvelous man. God bless!
thomas mains
August 25, 2012
steve van buren was the best of the best..i wondered how anyone could be so good..tom mains kentucy
D Jackoson
August 25, 2012
My condolences to your family. Such a talented individual in the sports world. May we pray that the God of all comfort, be your source of strength during this time of loss. Psalm 46:1
Mike Lentz
August 24, 2012
As a young child, you were one of my first sports heroes. A class act all the way. Thanks for the great memories.
D D
August 24, 2012
I saw a reel of Mr. Van Buren's work and just said, "Wow." He was a great athlete. My sincere sympathy to his family. Please find solace in God's word. Psalms 37:29
Marian
August 24, 2012
Sorry for your loss, May the God of all peace grant you peace of mind.
Bill Bailey
August 24, 2012
What a legacy. I never knew him, but wish I did. As a kid raised in Baton Rouge, I heard about him years after he played there... evidence that he was one of the greats, especially at LSU where they name streets after you and give you nicknames that lasts for decades. Steve was known as Wham Bam for his solid, hard hitting running style. There's also a Van Buren street not far from the LSU campus.
My condolences to his family.
Jack Stephens
August 24, 2012
Sympathy to his three daughters. My parents and I were going to the 1948 title game from Virginia but got only as far as Baltimore because of the snow. I recall listening to the 1949 championship game on the radio in Virginia. After moving back in 1950 to the Philly suburbs, I did see him play. He was the best. RIP, Steve.
August 24, 2012
The greatest EAGLE ever. J. Lyons
James Medley
August 24, 2012
Steve was a great friend to those of us who as ASTP students at Drexel shared quarters with the Eagles. His humility marked him as a truly great person.
August 24, 2012
he was my hero!------and still is.
j.lyons
John Stair
August 24, 2012
Though at 64 I have no firsthand recallections of Mr. Van Buren's exploits, on or off the field, my late father and uncles, who were his contemporaries, regaled us kids with stories of his running prowess, calling him the greatest running back of his generation. Every Eagles running back since Steve's time has performed under his shadow. May God grant him rest and give His grace unto his daughters and their families. God bless you all.
Jim Rowlands
August 24, 2012
Thank's for the legacy.E-A-G-L-E-S!
Jack Curcio
August 24, 2012
Like a Mack Truck, a real "Bulldog Tough Professional! Rest well Steve!
Jack Curcio...Retired CEO..Mack Trucks
Victoria
August 24, 2012
Serene silence
inside a Spiritual
Journey upon
new life n`Light@
Our condolences to
Steve Van Buren
August 24, 2012
The greatest!
KAREN JABLONSKI
August 24, 2012
RIP
Harry Simpson
August 24, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Arlene YonkoGarcia
August 24, 2012
My condolences to the family at this sad time. I was a mere child in '47, and born and raised in Steelers Country, but through the years I remember this gentlemen as a man to be respected and recognized him as a much loved man and athlete..
C
August 24, 2012
The loss of a father is something hard my deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. May you find hope in John 5:28.
Dominic Cangelosi
August 24, 2012
I remember Steve when I was a young child here in Baton Rouge. He was quite a site to watch as he ran through other teams. Rest in peace, old friend.
August 24, 2012
Steve was my hero as a youth. He was a great back. Later Jim Brown became the next Steve Van Buren.
paul
August 24, 2012
with deepest sympathy
Lois Marcolongo
August 24, 2012
To Steve Van Buren, an exceptional athlete, but more imporantly, an exceptional human being, may you rest in eternal peace. Although I was born after your time with our beloved Philadelphia Eagles, my parents and relatives always raved about your athletic prowess and charitable humanity, regaling me with your achievements both on and off the field. We Philadelphians all love and miss you, and we know that, most likely, we shall never see someone like you on our playing fields again. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...enjoy the eternal rewards of the heavenly kingdom where you now reside. We hope to see you again one day, in that glorious stadium in heaven! Heartfelt condolences to your lovely family; may they be comforted in knowing how many lives you did indeed touch.
Marcus Rhaney
August 24, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family,friends and fans of one of the "GreaT Running Backs" in NFL history. especially during his time and the ordeals he had to endure on and off the field. yet maintaining a character of dignity and humility.God bless.
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