Home » SAD NEWS: Legendary NFL GM, Cincinnati Bengals Executive Passes Away

SAD NEWS: Legendary NFL GM, Cincinnati Bengals Executive Passes Away

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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