Bob Trumpy, an American professional football player, passed away peacefully at the age of 80, surrounded by his family, on November 2, 2025.
He married Patricia Lynn Feith, and they have two sons, Matthew and Jason.
Bob played multiple sports at Springfield High School and went on to play college football at the University of Illinois. Later, he transferred to the University of Utah.
The Cincinnati Bengals of the AFL selected him in the 12th round with 01st overall of the 1968 Common Draft. He continued to play for the Bengals until 1977, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 1970 and 1973.
Afterward, he had a broadcasting career, calling four Super Bowls, four Pro Bowls, six Hall of Fame games in football, three Ryder Cups, and three Olympics.
Bob had his first broadcast experience in 1964 and expanded into NFL broadcasting in 1978. He was named the 2014 recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award for lifetime achievement in NFL broadcasting.
Very sad to hear this news. Bob was a Pro Bowl tight end and Hall of Fame broadcaster who made both those jobs look almost criminally fun. He caught the first touchdown pass in Cincinnati Bengals history.
Mark Purdy
Bob Trumpy’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
Robert Theodore Trumpy Jr., the son of Robert Sr., was born on March 6, 1945, in Bloomington, Indiana. His family raised him in Springfield, Illinois.
He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on November 2, 2025.
Bob’s legacy is one of athletic excellence, broadcasting brilliance, and deep devotion to his family.
His professional journey began with a moment of charming confusion. It was his wife, Patricia Lynn, who delivered the news of his selection by the Cincinnati “Beagles” in the 1968 common draft.
My wife still denies that. She said beagles. She did, she said beagles when I got the telegram.
Bob Trumpy
This lighthearted story offered a glimpse into a relationship founded on humor, love, and unwavering support through every chapter of his life.
Pat has been a lifelong friend of his former Browns wives, and she was by Bob’s side throughout his professional journey.
Bob Trumpy’s impact will forever echo through The Jungle. Our hearts are with the Trumpy family.
Cincinnati Bengals
Bob’s professional dedication never overshadowed his role as a family man.
While hosting his radio show, he would famously celebrate his sons’ birthdays at 6 a.m., ensuring he could be present for the milestone before his on-air shift from 4 p.m. until late evening.
He was a man deeply committed to his work, but never at the expense of being a devoted father. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family he built with his wife and two children.
Bob is survived by his wife, Pat; two sons, Matthew and Jason; six cherished grandchildren, Josh, Jackson, Conner, Kelli, Lauren, and Morgan; and a countless number of friends, colleagues, and fans who were touched by his warmth, wit, and wisdom.
The Trumpy family will soon hold a memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life.
He will be remembered as a Bengals legend, a broadcasting pioneer, and, most importantly, a devoted family man. His most significant legacy was the family he adored.
Rest In Peace, Bob Trumpy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bob Trumpy stood 1.98 meters tall and weighed approximately 103 kilograms.
- The U.S. Navy drafted him after graduation, and he served 180 days during the Vietnam War.
- The Bengals joined the NFL in 1970, following the merger of the AFL and NFL.
