The Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL community are in mourning following the death of Bob Trumpy, a true legend of the game. Trumpy, who passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 80 surrounded by family, left an indelible mark as both a pioneering tight end for the Bengals and a distinguished broadcaster.
Trumpy’s impact extends far beyond the football field. He was a trailblazer, redefining the tight end position and setting a new standard for excellence. His transition to broadcasting was equally impressive, where his insightful commentary and distinctive voice made him a beloved figure in sports media. This article explores the extraordinary life and career of Bob Trumpy, celebrating his contributions to the Bengals and the broader sports landscape.
A Spectacular Debut with the Bengals
Bob Trumpy’s journey with the Bengals began in spectacular fashion on September 15, 1968. In the franchise’s first-ever victory—a 24-10 triumph over the Denver Broncos at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium—Trumpy announced his arrival by catching four passes for 114 yards. This performance not only foreshadowed his remarkable career but also signaled a new era for the tight end position. His athletic prowess and ability to make game-changing plays quickly made him a fan favorite and a key component of the Bengals’ offense.
Mike Brown, the Bengals president, reflected on Trumpy’s unique contributions: “I’ve known Bob since we started here and he had an extraordinary career as both a player and a broadcaster. He did it all very well and I regret his passing.”
A Pioneer of the Pass-Catching Tight End
Trumpy’s innovative approach to the tight end position earned him four Pro Bowl selections. He wasn’t just a blocker; he was a legitimate receiving threat, capable of stretching the field and making contested catches. After retiring from the NFL, Trumpy transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, where his insightful analysis and distinctive voice made him a natural fit. Charlie Jones from NBC recognized Trumpy’s potential early on, encouraging him to consider announcing because of his exceptional voice.
Bill “Seg,” Dennison, a producer who worked with Trumpy, once described his voice as “The voice of God,” highlighting the powerful and authoritative presence he brought to the broadcast booth.
A Hall-of-Fame Broadcasting Career
For four decades, Bob Trumpy graced the airwaves as a Hall-of-Fame announcer, lending his voice to four Super Bowls and three Olympic Games. His broadcasting career began while he was still playing, hosting the wildly popular “Sports Talk” radio program on Cincinnati’s WLW-AM. This program set the stage for his transition to national broadcasting, where he covered some of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. His ability to connect with audiences through his insightful commentary and engaging personality made him a fixture in sports media.
Brown recalled, “I remember the general manager of WLW say some years afterwards that Trumpy carried this station for a decade with his program.”
A Legacy of Launching Broadcasting Careers
Trumpy’s influence extended beyond his own accomplishments, as he played a pivotal role in launching the broadcasting careers of numerous ex-Bengals. Dave Lapham, the long-time Bengals radio analyst, and Cris Collinsworth, the voice of Sunday Night Football, both credit Trumpy with giving them their start in the industry. His willingness to mentor and guide aspiring broadcasters left a lasting impact on the world of sports media.
Lapham reflected on Trumpy’s influence: “A real pro. He always did his homework. Never took any shortcuts. He was a great guy to learn from. He taught me never to say no. Whatever they want you to do, do it.”
Pete Rozelle Radio & Television Award
In 2014, Bob Trumpy received the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s prestigious Pete Rozelle Radio & Television Award. This honor recognized his exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football. In his acceptance speech, Trumpy credited his early days at WLW-AM for shaping his broadcasting career, highlighting the importance of hard work and responsibility in delivering insightful commentary.
“When you have to do a show five nights a week three hours at a time, you really have to work,” Trumpy said. “It made me responsible for whatever I said, and I still stand by what I said.”
Redefining the Tight End Position
Before his broadcasting success, Trumpy revolutionized the tight end position. As a 12th-round pick in the 1968 draft, he defied expectations and transformed the role of the tight end. His ability to catch passes and make plays downfield challenged conventional wisdom and paved the way for future generations of pass-catching tight ends. During his first training camp with the Bengals, Trumpy conspired with equipment manager Tom Gray to sneak weights during weigh-in.
Mike Brown recalled that the Kansas City Chiefs contacted the Bengals about trading for Trumpy during his rookie year, underscoring his value and potential.
A Matchup Nightmare in the “West Coast” Offense
Paul Brown and Bill Walsh, the quarterbacks/receivers coach, recognized Trumpy’s unique talents and incorporated him into their burgeoning “West Coast” offense. This innovative approach utilized Trumpy as a wide receiver, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses. His versatility and athleticism made him a valuable asset in the passing game. From 1968-74, among NFL tight ends, only Jerry Smith had more touchdowns, and only Rich Caster had a longer yards-per-catch average than Trumpy.
“That’s what I was the first six years of my career. Bill Walsh split me out a lot of the time,” Trumpy said in a 2008 interview.
A Lasting Legacy On and Off the Field
Bob Trumpy’s legacy extends far beyond the football field. He was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a role model for aspiring athletes and broadcasters. His impact on the Cincinnati Bengals and the broader sports landscape is undeniable. As a player, he redefined the tight end position, demonstrating that it could be a dynamic and integral part of the passing game. As a broadcaster, he brought his unique insights and engaging personality to millions of viewers, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in sports media.
Trumpy’s influence will continue to inspire generations of athletes and broadcasters. His commitment to excellence, his passion for the game, and his unwavering dedication to his craft serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Bob Trumpy will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on forever.
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