Bill Bergey was an American football linebacker remembered as much for his great athletic career as for the lifelong partnership he shared with his wife, Micky Kay.
Micky Kay was a college student at Arkansas State University when she met Bill Bergey.
They started their love affair in college, where Bergey was an up-and-coming football star.
Information concerning Micky Kay’s college and early life is unavailable, but the association with Bill during these foundational years set the stage for a lifetime commitment.
Bill and Micky were married in the early 1970s and started a fantastic life that led to building a beautiful family together.
They have three sons: Jason, Jake, and Josh.
Micky and Bill also had three sons throughout their holy matrimony.
All three of their sons pursued careers in athletic fields.
Jake Bergey played in the National Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Wings.
Josh played Major League Lacrosse for the Chesapeake Bayhawks, is a coach at Team Money Lacrosse Club, and is an Acquisition Agent at Integrity First Home Buyers.
Their youngest son, Jason, was an Ice hockey player at the University of Delaware and now works at Pennsylvania Wealth Management.
Of course, his boys played a huge role in their father’s life.
Bill was so grateful for their involvement; even in an interview last year, he expressed his proudest moment by saying,
“My kids have stepped up to the plate like I’ve never seen anybody step up to the plate. My three boys drove me all over the place, gave my wife Micky Kay a break. I don’t know if I could have made it without them.”
Via NBC News
Bill and Micky had each other to hold on through the years, good and bad.
Bergey enjoyed a very successful football career; made five Pro Bowls and an NFL record for interceptions by a linebacker.
Micky Kay, Bill Bergey’s Wife Of 55 Years, Is Remembered As A Loving Matriarch
Tragically, Bill was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021, which led him to fight the disease with great courage.
His willpower was motivated by the support of loved ones and old teammates, including Jim Kelly.
Bill passed away on December 25, 2024, at 79, leaving his wife and a legacy of stability and love.
Tributes from Jason and Jake poured in after his death, as they both took to social media to express their deep pain.
Jason remembered how his father fought against cancer and was thankful for the values he inculcated in them; he wrote,
“To the many who knew how hard my Father “Bubba” fought mouth cancer for three years, he finally lost the battle. He passed away at 12:30 AM Christmas morning. His goal was to make it to Christmas and did it! He was surrounded by all the people he loved and were special to him. He fought for years without complaint, but finally closed his eyes for good. What a great athlete, great friend, husband, and especially father. We hope to continue his legacy and live with the values he taught us. Thank you friends for your prayers! They meant the world to us. I love you dad “
Via Facebook
Jake called his father “the best father, friend, grandfather,” and all their family’s affection for him and tweeted,
“After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad.’
Via Twiter (X)
Micky, Bill Bergey’s wife, is the central figure in this love story of survival and a sense of hope.
The number of memories they had garnered together while celebrating each victory on the field with those in their family’s lives was immense.
Bill Bergey’s life story intertwines remarkable sports achievements with a deeply personal journey with his wife, Micky Kay.
Bill is remembered for football, while Micky highlights their enduring love through triumphs and trials.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He graduated from Pine Valley Central High School and attended Arkansas State University, playing under coach Bernie Ellender.
- Bill’s brother, Bruce Bergey, played great with the Portland Storm of the WFL.
- Bergey was one of 60 players considered for the 2025 Hall of Fame but did not advance.
