Bell, "Bobby" (Robert L.)
Football
b. June 17, 1940, Shelby, NC
The remarkably versatile Bell played quarterback, linebacker, offensive center, and defensive tackle at the University of Minnesota. He was a consensus All-American tackle in 1962, when he won the Outland Trophy as college football's outstanding lineman.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Bell had gigantic shoulders and chest, a 32-inch waist, and halfback speed. He joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 and was listed as a defensive end during his first two seasons, but he often dropped back into a linebacker position in passing situations.
An All-AFL selection in 1964, Bell moved to linebacker the following season and was an All-AFL/AFC choice at the position eight consecutive years. He played in six straight AFL All-Star games and the first four AFC-NFC Pro Bowl games.
Bell helped lead the Chiefs to AFL championships in 1966 and 1969 and to a 23-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. He retired after the 1974 season. In 12 years with the Chiefs, he intercepted 26 passes and returned them 479 yards, scoring 6 touchdowns. He also scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery and one on a kickoff return.