Bob Trumpy

Bengals tight end and Hall of Fame broadcaster.

Bob Trumpy was an American professional football player and sports broadcaster. He played as a tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 through 1977, was a two-time NFL Pro Bowler and two-time AFL All-Star, and later became a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

Quick Facts

Position: Tight end
Died: 2 November 2025
Place of death: Glendale, Ohio, U.S
High school: Springfield (Springfield, Illinois)
College: Illinois (1963–1964), Utah (1965–1966)
Draft year: 1968
Draft round: 12
Draft pick: 301

Lore & Background

Robert Theodore Trumpy Jr. (March 6, 1945 – November 2, 2025) grew up in Tremont, Illinois, and later Springfield, Illinois. He played college football for Illinois and Utah, then was drafted by the Bengals in the 12th round of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft. In his final season (1977), he caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Ken Anderson on a flea flicker against the Miami Dolphins. After playing, he became a broadcaster, calling four Super Bowls and winning the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 2014.

Reader's Guide

Trumpy's career highlights include being a two-time Pro Bowler (1970, 1973) and two-time AFL All-Star. He averaged 22.6 yards per catch in 1969. His broadcasting career included work with NBC and Westwood One. He died at home in Glendale, Ohio, on November 2, 2025, at age 80.