Mel Kiper (Photo via ESPN)

NFL fans are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former running back, general manager, and scout Bill Tobin, who died on Friday, April 19th, at 83.

The news of his recent and unfortunate passing has brought back memories of the former NFL executive‘s crazy quotes from the past about current controversial ESPN NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr, who once called the former Bengals general manager and criticized a pick he made in the 1994 NFL Draft.

After Trev Alberts was drafted in 1994, Keiper criticized the selection, prompting Tobin to give a fiery response in an interview with the late Chris Mortensen, stating, “Who in the hell is Mel Kiper anyway?” suggesting Keiper was no name.

Tobin is well known for his role not only in the field but in the executive offices as well. He enjoyed a 27-year career on teams such as the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and Detroit Lions before joining his son Duke on the Bengals player personnel staff in 1999.

Bill Tobin Has Passed Away At 83

Tobin’s NFL relations began when the Houston Oilers drafted him in 1964, where he would play one season with the team, accumulating 444 yards along with five touchdowns before joining the Packers scouting staff in 1971.

Tobin played an instrumental role in helping build the Chicago Bears’ infamous 1985 team, which went 18-1 before winning the Superbowl. He later landed a position as the team’s director of player personnel in 1987. Tobin’s first pick with the Bears was current Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Tobin would remain with the Bears until 1992, overseeing four playoff runs, before taking on the Indianapolis Colts general manager job, where the aforementioned Mel Kiper Jr incident occurred.

Tobin’s legendary career saw him ten NFL pro bowlers along with 2 Hall of Famers, and he has also played a part in scouting talent such as Geno Atkins, Joe Burrow, and even Ja’Marr Chase.

After this untimely loss, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Tobin family.

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