Bill Tobin, a longtime NFL executive, has died at the age of 83. The news was announced by the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday.
Tobin has worked as a scouting consultant in the Bengals' player personnel department since 2003, which is now led by his son, Duke.
“When it came to Bill, we respected everything he said,” Bengals president Mike Brown said on the team's website. “I took it for granted. He had an eye for players and how they would develop. If he said he was a good player, he was good too. He was a player. That's all I need to know. We'll miss him. “
Prior to working with the Bengals, Tobin had a highly regarded career as general manager of the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. He also served as director of player personnel for the Detroit Lions. During his career, he drafted eight Hall of Famers, including the Colts' Marshall Faulk and Marvin Harrison.
Rest in peace Bill Tobin, GM from 1994 to 1996. Bill was a tough old school football man who started out as a player in the classic AFL. He lived a magical life connected to the game he loved and our league will miss him. My love and prayers go out to Bill's family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/I9IvJLPUbe
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 19, 2024
Among NFL draft fans, Tobin may be best known for criticizing ESPN analyst Mel Kiper during the 1994 draft. The Colts selected Faulk with the second pick, but drafted linebacker Trev Alberts because many observers believed the team needed to acquire a quarterback, specifically Trent Dilfer. .
ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen interviewed Tobin shortly after and brought up the issue of not drafting a quarterback. The general manager created one of his most memorable moments on sports television by going after Tobin's loudest critic on the air.
“Who the hell is Mel Kiper?” Tobin asked, using one of the most infamous lines in NFL draft history. “So you have a guy who criticizes everyone no matter who you hire. He has the answers for who you should hire and who you shouldn't hire.”
“As far as I know, he's never worn a jockstrap,” Tobin continued, as ESPN showed Kiper listening on camera.
“He's never been a coach, he's never been a scout, he's never been an administrator, and all of a sudden he's an expert,” Tobin added. “He was in the paper two days ago talking about who we have to take. We don't have to take the people Mel Kiper says we have to take. No. Mel Kiper is no more qualified to do what he does than my neighbor. My neighbor is a mailman and doesn't even have an NFL season ticket.”
Kuiper was among those who expressed condolences for Tobin on social media.
A sad day when Bill Tobin, a talented front office executive who led the NFL to a better league during his illustrious career, passed away. Kim and I send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 19, 2024
Many believed the Colts needed to take a young QB instead of Jim Harbaugh, but with Indianapolis advancing to the AFC Championship Game as a wild card, Tobin seemed wise to keep the veteran. Ta. Harbaugh played two more seasons with the Colts as a bridge to Peyton Manning (drafted by Bill Polian, who replaced Tobin).
Dilfer, on the other hand, won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens but had a modest NFL career. Alberts appeared in 29 games over three seasons with the Colts.
