ELLENDALE, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Former Ellendale Cardinal, South Dakota State Jackrabbit and Philadelphia Eagle Pete Retzlaff passed away Friday from natural causes according to the Philadelphia Eagles website.

The pro bowl tight end was born and raised in Ellendale and graduated from Ellendale High School. After playing football at South Dakota State, Retzlaff was drafted in the 22nd round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Retzlaff didn’t see an NFL field until 1956 after two years of service in the U.S. Army according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Claimed by the Eagles, Retzlaff went on to make five pro bowls, one all-pro team and was apart of the 1960 NFL Championship team. Retzlaff played 11 seasons for the Eagles, ranks 10th in receiving touchdowns in team history and had his number 44 retired by the Eagles.