With the news of former NFL executive Bill Tobin’s passing at 83 on Friday, many immediately thought of his memorable exchange with draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. in 1994. While the longtime ESPN analyst was on the receiving end of the epic rant – which is often replayed every year around this time – he used the somber occasion to honor the man.
Tobin spent nearly his entire life involved in football in some way. Following a collegiate career as a running back at Missouri, he was selected in the 14th round of the 1963 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, going on to play one season with the Houston Oilers and two years with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos.
Following his playing career, Tobin joined the executive ranks, ultimately becoming general manager of both the Chicago Bears (1987-92) and Indianapolis Colts (1994-96). In his first draft with the Colts, Tobin famously ripped into Kiper Jr., who disagreed with his decision to pass on selecting quarterback Trent Dilfer with one of two first-round picks.
Tobin asked rhetorically, live on television, “Who the hell is Mel Kiper, anyway?” after selecting future Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk and linebacker Trev Alberts (who went on to be a bust).
Both men forged successful paths in the sport, albeit in different aspects. They also contributed to a moment that’s now forever cemented in NFL Draft lore, which football fans can count on seeing year after year during coverage of arguably one of the most popular events in all of sports.