Bob Trumpy, a former tight end and wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has passed away at 80, as announced by the team on Sunday.
He died at home, surrounded by family, though the cause of death hasn’t been specified.
A graduate of the University of Utah, Trumpy was among the Bengals’ initial draft picks when the team joined the AFL in 1968.
He had a notable 10-season career with the Bengals, playing from 1968 to 1977. During this time, he became recognized as one of the finest tight ends of his time.
Throughout his career, Trumpy recorded 298 receptions, amassing 4,600 yards and scoring 35 touchdowns.
Uniquely, he is the only Bengals player to receive Pro Bowl nominations in both the AFL and NFL, achieving this honor twice during each league’s existence.
The Bengals president, Mike Brown, paid tribute to Trumpy after his passing, reflecting on their long acquaintance.
“I’ve known Bob since he first came here. He had an extraordinary career as a player and a broadcaster,” Brown stated. “He was a unique tight end, capable of covering downfield with remarkable speed, comparable to any wide receiver. That quality was rare then, and still is today.”
Towards the latter part of his playing days, Trumpy transitioned into broadcasting. He hosted a well-known radio show called “Sports Talk” on WLW-AM in Cincinnati and had the opportunity to attend four Super Bowls, three Olympics, and three Ryder Cups.
Brown reminisced, recalling the WLW general manager noting that Trumpy had anchored the station for a decade with his own show.
In recognition of his impact in sports broadcasting, Trumpy was awarded the Pete Rozelle Radio and Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, honoring his dedicated contributions to sports media.
