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Bobby Bell was the most highly honored college lineman of the 1962 season.
His coach at the University of Minnesota described the two-time All-America
choice and Outland Trophy winner as “the greatest lineman I have ever seen.”
It’s hard to believe the versatile 6-4, 228-pound Bell
actually began his college
career as a quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs of the then-young American
Football League were so convinced that Bell would sign with the Minnesota
Vikings of the rival National Football League that they didn’t even bother
selecting him until the seventh round of the 1963 draft.
The University of
Minnesota star stunned the pro football world when he opted to sign with the
Chiefs. Bell began his 12-year career with Kansas City as a defensive end.
He excelled in coach Hank Stram’s “stack defense,” which called for him to
drop out of the 4-3 alignment and become a fourth linebacker. In 1965, after
winning all-league honors as a defensive end the previous season, Bell was
shifted to outside linebacker. His size and speed made him ideal for the
position. As a linebacker he was named All-AFL or All-NFL every year from
1965 through 1971.
During his career, the versatile Bell intercepted 26 passes, returning six
for touchdowns. He also scored on an onside kick and two fumble recoveries.
Built in the shape of an inverted pyramid with massive shoulders tapering
down to a 32-inch waist, Bobby presented a fearsome appearance on the field.
He had the physique to
withstand as well as deal out punishment. What made
him stand out from the crowd was his superior approach to the game, a
willingness to play anywhere
even when injured and his great joy at just
playing the game. Bell was the first Kansas City Chiefs player to be elected
to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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