The NFL world was saddened by the news of the passing of longtime executive Bill Tobin at the age of 83. Known for his work as the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, as well as his role as the Detroit Lions’ director of player personnel, Tobin left a lasting impact on the league. The Cincinnati Bengals, where Tobin served as a consultant from 2003 to 2022, announced his death on Friday. Bengals president Mike Brown reflected on Tobin’s legacy, describing him as “a true NFL success story.”
Bill Tobin’s football journey began at the University of Missouri, where he excelled as a halfback and earned three varsity letters from 1960 to 1962. He was named the MVP of the 1962 Bluebonnet Bowl and later inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. After a brief stint with the AFL’s Houston Oilers in 1963, Tobin transitioned into a scouting career, starting with the Green Bay Packers in 1971. However, it was with the Chicago Bears that Tobin truly made his mark, serving as the team’s general manager from 1987 to 1992. He later held the same role with the Colts from 1994 to 1996 and spent time as the Lions’ director of player personnel from 2001 to 2002.
Throughout his tenure in the NFL, Bill Tobin demonstrated an exceptional eye for talent. He was responsible for drafting players such as linebacker Mike Singletary and running back Marshall Faulk, both of whom went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tobin also played a key role in the selection of former quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who now serves as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. One of Tobin’s most memorable moments came in 1994, when the Colts famously selected linebacker Trev Alberts with the fifth overall pick. Tobin’s response to criticism from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., “Who the hell is Mel Kiper anyway?” only added to his legend in the football world.
Following the news of Bill Tobin’s passing, tributes poured in from across the NFL community. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. took to social media to honor Tobin’s legacy, calling him “an accomplished front office executive who made the NFL a better league during his decorated career.” Colts owner Jim Irsay also expressed his condolences, highlighting Tobin’s magical life connected to the game he loved. Tobin’s son, Duke, who has worked in the Bengals’ personnel department since 1999, now carries on his father’s legacy as the de facto general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals. As the NFL mourns the loss of a true legend, Bill Tobin’s impact on the league will be remembered for years to come.
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