Bobby Bell

The Bobby Bell Award was established in 2000 to recognize former Kansas City Chiefs' All-Pro and Pro Football Hall of Fame player Bobby Bell.

Bobby Bell was the most highly honored college lineman of the 1962 season. His coach at the University of Minnesota described the two-time All-America choice and Outland Trophy winner as "the greatest lineman I have ever seen."

It's hard to believe the versatile 6-foot-4, 228-pound Bell actually began his college career as a quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs of the then-young American Football League were so convinced that Bobby would sign with the Minnesota Vikings of the rival National Football League that they didn't even bother selecting him until the seventh round of the 1963 draft. The University of Minnesota star stunned the pro football world when he opted to sign with the Chiefs. Bobby began his 12-year career with Kansas City as a defensive end.

He excelled in coach Hank Stram's "stack defense," which called for him to drop out of the 4-3 alignment and become a fourth linebacker. In 1965, after winning all-league honors as a defensive end the previous season, Bobby was shifted to outside linebacker. His size and speed made him ideal for the position. As a linebacker he was named All-AFL or All-NFL every year from 1965 through 1971.

During his career, the versatile Bell intercepted 26 passes, returning six for touchdowns. He also scored on an onside kick and two fumble recoveries. Built in the shape of an inverted pyramid with massive shoulders tapering down to a 32-inch waist, Bobby presented a fearsome appearance on the field. He had the physique to withstand as well as deal out punishment. What made him stand out from the crowd was his superior approach to the game, a willingness to play anywhere even when injured and his great joy at just playing the game.

Bobby was the first Kansas City Chiefs player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bobby Bell Award

The Bobby Bell Award is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in the small class (Missouri Classes 1-4, Kansas Classes 1A-4A) category.

Bobby Bell annually presents the award himself to the winner.

All-Time Bobby Bell Award Winners

Year	Player	Team
2009	Joe Windsor	Kearney
2008	Trever Wilson	Pleasant Hill
2007	Brian Kagarice	Harrisonville
2006	Michael Keck	Harrisonville
2005	Sean Whiters	Lee's Summit West
2004	Brock Christopher	Kearney
2003	Brock Christopher	Kearney
2002	Charlie Simone	St. Pius X
2001	Anthony Simone	St. Pius X
2000	Brian Koechner	Platte County

 

Trever Wilson of Pleasant Hill and Bobby Bell, Jr.	Brian Kagarice of Harrisonville
Michael Keck of Harrisonville	Bobby Bell and Anthony Simone
Bobby Bell	Joe Windsor of Kearney and Charlie Simone