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When Bengals tight end Bob Trumpy retired in 1978, yours truly arrived into the world with designs for world domination. In the meantime, Trumpy found another niche. Broadcasting. From doing nightly talk radio on 700 WLW to broadcasting games for NBC Sports, NBC Radio, and then Westwood One Radio Sports, Trumpy's distinctive voice has been part of Cincinnati and the NFL throughout my entire life -- at least until his retirement in 2007.
The NFL is honoring Trumpy this year with the 2014 Pete Rozelle Radio and Television Award.
Bob Trumpy, a 30-year television and radio broadcast booth veteran, is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Pete Rozelle Radio & Television Award. The award, presented annually by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizes "longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football." He will be recognized on August 2, during the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the Class of 2014 – Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Andre Reed, Michael Strahan, and Aeneas Williams.
"We are thrilled, and congratulate Bob for being selected as this year’s Rozelle Award winner," stated Howard Deneroff, EVP/Executive Producer for Westwood One Sports. "Now others will recognize what we have known for years – he is a Hall of Famer, both as a broadcaster, and a person. After enjoying watching him on TV for years, it was an honor to have him finish his career as our Sunday Night Football radio analyst for nearly a decade."
Bob Trumpy, who will be honored in early August, was selected in the 12th round of the 1968 Common Draft, by the AFL's Cincinnati Bengals during their inaugural draft. From 1968-1977, throughout most of his career, Trumpy played for the tough-as-nails Paul Brown, earning four Pro Bowls while also being named to the First-Team All-Pro team in 1969 -- 37 receptions for 835 yards receiving and nine touchdowns for an amazing average of 22.6 yards/reception. During that season against the San Diego Chargers, the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers, Trumpy combined for 12 receptions for 377 yards receiving and five touchdowns with an average of 31.4 yard/reception. During his ten seasons in Cincinnati, Trumpy posted 298 receptions for 4,600 yards receiving and 35 touchdowns.