Although Pittsburgh’s Jack Lambert had a reputation as the best middle linebacker in the league when Carson broke in, the player he most wanted to emulate at that position was Philadelphia’s Bill Bergey. Carson felt he was more like Bergey in stature, speed, and as a power-vs.-power player.
In games against the Eagles, Carson would study Bergey’s every move when Philadelphia’s defense was on the field. Oddly enough, Bergey played with a large wad of tobacco in his mouth, a risky proposition in such a collision-oriented sport.
