Tom Modrak, former Eagles general manager, passes away

Former Philadelphia Eagles executive Tom Modrak, 74, passed away earlier this week on Tuesday evening. Modrak died from a rare neurological disease.

Modrak served as the Eagles’ direct of football operations from 1998-2001. Eagles Chariman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released a statement on Modrak’s passing.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Modrak,” said Lurie. “Tom was a well-respected executive throughout the league and we are thankful not only for the contributions he made to this organization, but also the impact he had on the entire football and scouting community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Though he wasn’t in Philadelphia for very long, Modrak had a signficant impact on the Eagles’ organization. He helped lay the foundation for the team’s success in the early 2000’s and beyond.

Modrak played a pivotal role in developing a core of young players that helped guide the Eagles to the most successful period in franchise history. Modrak selected franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb with the second-overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He also signed future All-Pro players Brian Dawkins, Bobby Taylor, and Troy Vincent to contract extensions.

Modrak’s time with the Eagles didn’t end on great terms. The team dismissed him and questioned his loyalty on the way out. Modrak’s exit coincided with then-head coach Andy Reid receiving the additional title of vice president of football operations.

The Bills hired Modrak to be their vice president of college scouting after he left Philadelphia. After spending 11 years with Buffalo, Modrak was then named the director of BLESTO scouting service. He held that position until he passed away.

Prior to joining the Eagles, Modrak had served with the Steelers for a number of years. It was then that he worked with former Pittsburgh executive and current Eagles senior football advisor Tom Donahoe. Donahoe also released a statement on Modrak.

“Many of us in the scouting world owe Tom a huge debt of gratitude for helping us learn how to scout and evaluate players,” said Donahoe. “I will always be grateful to Tom and his family for all their support and friendship. May he rest in peace."

RIP Tom Modrak.