Bill Tobin — a longtime NFL executive who served as the general manager of the Chicago Bears (1987-92) and Indianapolis Colts (1994-96), as well as the director of player personnel for the Baltimore Ravens (2001-02) — has died at the age of 83.
The news was announced by the Cincinnati Bengals, with whom he had been a consultant from 2003-22, on Friday.
A number of tributes to Tobin came pouring in around the NFL world, including a classy post from ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
“A sad day with the passing of Bill Tobin, an accomplished front office executive who made the NFL a better league during his decorated career,” Kiper wrote. “Kim and I send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
A sad day with the passing of Bill Tobin, an accomplished front office executive who made the NFL a better league during his decorated career. Kim and I send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 19, 2024
Kiper and Tobin were the subjects of a viral moment during the draft in 1994 when, while giving an interview to Chris Mortensen, Tobin criticized Kiper’s analysis.
“Who the hell is Mel Kiper?” he quipped at the time.
Bill Tobin sits down with @mortreport
“Who in the hell is Mel Kiper?” – Bill Tobin
😂 pic.twitter.com/77IOC3QoKz— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) April 24, 2020
Tobin later called a press conference in which he continued his rant about Kiper, postulating that he had a bone to pick with the Colts due to the team leaving Kiper’s hometown of Baltimore.
While we’re approaching the 30-year anniversary of that moment, it remains an iconic part of NFL draft lore. It’s cool to see that Kiper doesn’t seem to have taken it personally based on his heartfelt condolences.