Eagles Running Back-Turned-South Jersey Youth Mentor Dies

ATCO, NJ — Lee Bouggess, a former Eagles running back-turned-South Jersey youth mentor, died July 4 at an assisted-living center in Atco. He was 76.

Bouggess was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where he played college football for the Louisville Cardinals. His pro career included several season with the Eagles in the early 1970s, before he lived in Cherry Hill and Sicklerville with his wife, Barbara, according to his obituary.

At Louisville, Bouggess started his collegiate career as a defensive end, making the All-Missouri Valley Conference team in 1967 and 1968. He was converted to running back before his senior year, when he led the conference with 1,064 rushing yards. Bouggess was later inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Eagles drafted Bouggess in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft. He made 50 catches that year, placing him among the Eagles' all-time leaders for receptions in a rookie season.

Bouggess played 32 games for the Eagles from 1970-73. Afterward, he competed in the short-lived World Football League.

Following his playing days, Bouggess worked various construction jobs. He also helped "countless children" through mentorships, counseling teenagers with the Camden Police Athletic League, his obituary says. Bouggess also served as Gloucester County's assistant director of parks and recreation before retiring.