Heartbreaking: Eagles legend who made history in the NFL passed away.
According to a press statement from her family, Susan Tose-Spencer, the former Eagles executive who was the first female general manager and vice president in NFL history, passed away on March 24. Her age was eighty-three.
Tose-Spencer, the daughter of former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose, was a teacher and a lawyer until she joined the team in 1980 as legal counsel. She became the first female vice president in NFL history when she was elevated to the position in 1982. She went on to make history in 1983 and 1984 as general manager.
Tose-Spencer’s new position required her to assist the team in overcoming financial difficulties. According to a 2023 article by Dan Pompei of The Athletic, Tose owed $9.1 million in personal debt in 1983, while the Eagles owed $33 million. She also arranged contracts with players. Her choices assisted in the team’s debt relief.
Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski told Pompei, “We all knew she was the decision-maker when it came to the direction the franchise was going.” “Leonard granted her the power to make things better.”
In 1984, Tose-Spencer again considered moving the club to Arizona, but the plan was never implemented. Later, she helped negotiate the $65 million sale of the franchise to Norman Braman in 1985. No female general manager has ever led a team since Tose-Spencer.
On September 18, Tose-Spencer will be inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, according to a press statement.
