Bruce Gene Bergey Obituary, HILLSBORO, Ore. — Bruce Gene Bergey, a former professional football defensive end whose career included time in the National Football League, Canadian Football League and World Football League, died on September 20, 2026, in Hillsboro, Oregon. He was 80.
Bergey was born on August 8, 1946, in South Dayton, New York. He grew up in western New York and attended Pine Valley High School before continuing his football career at UCLA, where he developed as a physical and strong defensive lineman.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds during his playing career, Bergey attracted the attention of professional scouts with his size, strength and defensive ability. His football journey eventually led him to the NFL following the 1971 NFL Draft.
Bergey was selected in the 14th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, 354th overall. During the 1971 season, he played defensive end for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers, beginning his professional career at the highest level of American football.
After his time in the NFL, Bergey continued playing professionally in Canada. He joined the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, playing for the team during the 1972 and 1973 seasons.
Bergey later returned to the United States to play in the World Football League. He played for the Portland Storm in 1974 and the Portland Thunder in 1975, continuing his professional football career as the league operated during its brief existence.
Across the NFL, CFL and WFL, Bergey built a professional football career that reflected his determination to continue competing and his long-standing connection to the sport. His career included opportunities across multiple professional leagues during a period when football was expanding beyond the established NFL structure.
Bergey’s passing was shared with the football community following notification from Marty Martin, a follower of the page, with biographical information sourced from Wikipedia and MSN. He is remembered for his years of professional football and for the career he built across three leagues. Condolences are extended to his family, friends and all who knew him. May Bruce Gene Bergey rest in peace.
