SAD NEWS: Legendary NFL GM, Cincinnati Bengals Executive Passes Away
Bill Tobin, a former NFL general manager and a close associate of the Cincinnati Bengals for many years, has died at the age of 83. He was the father of Duke Tobin, who currently serves as the director of player personnel for the Bengals. Bill Tobin held the position of general manager for both the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts during his career.
As an NFL GM Bill Tobin selected eight Pro Football Hall-of-Famers
Following his tenure as the Bears’ GM from 1987 to 1992, Tobin transitioned to the role of GM for the Colts from 1994 to 1996. While overseeing the Colts’ draft room for a brief period, Tobin played a pivotal role in selecting future Pro Football Hall-of-Famers Marshall Faulk and Marvin Harrison.
Prior to his stint as the Bears’ GM, Tobin had worked in the player personnel department. He garnered significant recognition for his contributions to assembling the formidable roster of the 1985 Bears, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s greatest teams.
The defensive prowess exhibited by the 1985 Bears has become the standard against which all subsequent elite defenses are measured. Whenever a standout defense emerges, comparisons to the legendary 1985 Bears invariably follow.
Throughout the entire year I'll track 2023s soon to become #LEGENDARY #Jets #D against the 85 #Bears 1998 #Jets 2009 #Jets 2010 #Jets 2000 #Ravens+2013's #LegionOfBoom
Week 1 POINTS Allowed
2000 BAL 0
2009 NYJ 7
2013 SEA 7
2010 NYJ 10
2023 #Jets 16
85 Bears 28
98 NYJ 36 pic.twitter.com/iMaZIYdqKS— Defense Wins Championships (@DWC_1985) September 14, 2023
NFL GM Bill Tobin gained notoriety for what he said about NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
During his tenure as the GM of the Indianapolis team during the 1994 NFL Draft, Tobin faced scrutiny from ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. for his decision to select linebacker Trev Alberts from Nebraska with the 5th overall pick, instead of opting for quarterback Trent Dilfer from Fresno State.
In response to Kiper Jr.’s criticism, Tobin famously questioned, “Who is Mel Kiper anyway?” During a subsequent press conference, Tobin expressed his frustration with Kiper Jr., suggesting that Kiper Jr. harbored bias against the Colts due to their relocation from Baltimore, Kiper Jr.’s hometown.
“Who the hell is Mel Kiper?”
25 years ago today, Colts GM Bill Tobin goes on rant after Mel criticized Indy for drafting LB Trev Alberts over QB Trent Dilfer. Classic moment in NFL Draft history. pic.twitter.com/1WKW28rcfL
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 24, 2019
Support for NFL GM Bill Tobin poured out on social media
Many messages of support flooded social media following the announcement of Tobin’s passing, showing immense solidarity with the Tobin family and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Former NFL GM Bill Tobin has passed away at the age of 83.
Tobin, who is the father of #Bengals executive Duke Tobin, famously said, "Who in the hell is Mel Kiper anyway?!" during the 1994 draft after being criticized for one of his picks. One of the great draft moments.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/LUddiLvlUW
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 19, 2024
A Tobin family member should announce one of the Bengals' draft picks next weekend in honor of Bill.
Deepest condolences to Duke and the entire Tobin family. https://t.co/CeqqXbA3W7
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) April 19, 2024
Sad news to report this afternoon as legendary NFL, GM Bill Tobin, the father of Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin, has passed away. Obviously, the Duke presser has been canceled today.
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) April 19, 2024
Rip Bill Tobin for discover Walter Payton and help 85 bears
— Gabriel D SILVA American Bad ass Gabriel (@bearstownshow) April 19, 2024
Even the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, Mike Brown, shared his sentiments about Tobin’s significance to both him and the organization on the Bengals’ website.
Brown described Tobin as a genuine NFL success story, emphasizing his personal integrity and their strong friendship. He held Tobin’s judgment in high regard, trusting his assessments of players implicitly. Brown recalled their annual conversations where Tobin would present his list of prospects, and they would reminisce about players from their shared past, drawing comparisons to the present. These discussions were not only informative but also enjoyable for both of them.
Mike Potts, the Bengals’ director of college scouting, echoed similar sentiments in the article, highlighting Tobin’s role in his professional development. Potts praised Tobin’s teaching prowess, noting that Tobin had a profound impact on him and many other scouts. Tobin’s meticulous evaluations and cross-checks on game tapes earned him unparalleled trust not only within the Bengals organization but also across the NFL.
Potts expressed gratitude for Tobin’s mentorship and friendship, emphasizing the invaluable lessons he learned from him during their time together. Overall, both Brown and Potts recognized Tobin’s immense contribution to the Bengals and the wider NFL community, underscoring his enduring legacy as a talent evaluator and mentor.