Longtime NFL executive Bill Tobin dies

Bill Tobin in 1997.

Bill Tobin, a longtime NFL executive and talent evaluator, has died.

Tobin was 83. His son, Duke, is the director of player personnel for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tobin served as the general manager of the Chicago Bears from 1987-1992 and was in the same role with the Indianapolis Colts from 1994-96. He also had a brief stint as the director of player personnel with the Detroit Lions in 2001 and 2002.

In recent years, Tobin worked as a consultant for the Bengals.

Tobin made a name for himself as a hard-working scout before becoming the GM in Chicago. During his 27 years as a talent evaluator, he was partially responsible for his teams selecting eight Hall of Fame players. Six of those Hall of Fame Players were part of the Bears’ famous 1985 Super Bowl champion team.

Tobin was also involved in the process of the Colts drafting legendary playmakers Marshall Faulk and Marvin Harrison.

Many are familiar with Tobin from when he unloaded on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. during the 1994 NFL Draft.

Before becoming a successful executive, Tobin played in college at Missouri. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1963 and played one season for them before spending two seasons in the Canadian Football League.

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