Bobby Bell, a former American professional football player, has an estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his illustrious career in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL), where he played as a linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963 to 1974. Bell’s exceptional performance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including being a six-time AFL All-Star and a key contributor to the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl IV. Beyond his football career, Bell ventured into business and motivational speaking, further contributing to his financial standing.
Bobby Bell’s Family and Childhood
The birth date of this man was June 17, 1940, in Shelby, North Carolina. The full name of this man is Bobby Lee Bell Sr. He is the son of his father, Pink Lee Bell, and his mother, Zannie Lee Bell.
Full Bio Table:
Full Name | Bobby Lee Bell Sr. |
Date of Birth | June 17, 1940 |
Place of Birth | Shelby, North Carolina, USA |
Parents | Father: Pink Lee Bell; Mother: Zannie Lee Bell |
High School | Shelby (NC) Cleveland High School |
College | University of Minnesota |
College Achievements | – Two-time All-American (1961, 1962) – Outland Trophy Winner (1962) – Rose Bowl Champion (1962) – National Champion (1960) |
NFL Draft | 1963 NFL Draft, 2nd Round, 16th Overall by Kansas City Chiefs |
AFL Draft | 1963 AFL Draft, 7th Round, 56th Overall |
Professional Career | Kansas City Chiefs (1963–1974) |
Position | Linebacker, Defensive End |
Jersey Number | 78 (retired by Kansas City Chiefs) |
Career Highlights | – Super Bowl IV Champion – NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969) – Six-time AFL All-Star (1964–1969) – Three-time Pro Bowl Selection (1970–1972) – NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team – Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame |
Career Stats | – Games Played: 168 – Interceptions: 26 – Touchdowns: 8 – Sacks: 40.0 |
Height | 6 feet 4 inches |
Weight | 228 pounds |
Spouse(s) | First Wife: Doris (divorced); Second Wife: Linda |
Children | Son: Bobby Bell Jr. (former NFL player); Daughter: Tracie Walker |
Post-Retirement | – Business Ventures: Restaurant ownership – Motivational Speaking – Community Service: Youth development and mentorship programs |
Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 as of 2025 |
In his school life, he spent time with Shelby (NC) Cleveland in Shelby, North Carolina. He played center, halfback, and quarterback in high school. He got all-state honors. In his college life, he went to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. During his studies at this college, he was a Minnesota Golden Gophers football team member. In 1961 and 1962, he was a two-time All-American. He won the 1962 Outland Trophy. He also won the 1962 Rose Bowl. With his incredible play, he also led his college team to victory in the 1960 National Championships.
For his amazing performance in his college life, the name of this man was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. After a successful college career, he pursued a career in professional football.
Draft and Contract History
In the 1963 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs took him 16th overall in the 2nd round. He spent his entire professional career with this team. He played for this team from 1963 to 1974. Bobby reached the pinnacle of his career in 1970 when he won Super Bowl IV with a miraculous play. He was the golden member of his team.
In the 1963 AFL Draft, he was taken 56th overall in the 7th round. In the sphere of the NFL, he played in 168 games. His career statistics are: interceptions: 26, touchdowns: 8, AV 134, Sk 40.0
Achievements and Awards
He was a glorified part of the Super Bowl Champion IV’s victory. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1969. In 1970, he earned his place on the first-team all-pro. He earned his position as a second-team All-Pro in 1971. He won the Pro Bowl from 1970 to 1972, three times. This man included his name on the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team. He inserted his name into the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was celebrated among the AFL champions in 1966 and 1969, respectively.
From 1964 to 1969, he was an AFL All-Star six times. He was a member of the first-team All-AFL from 1965 to 1969. In 1964, he was named to the All-AFL second team. To show honor to him, jersey number 78 was retired by the Kansas City Chiefs. He inserted his name into the AFL All-Time Team. He was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. In 1960, he was part of the national championship team. He won the Outland Trophy in 1962. He was the UPI Lineman of the Year in 1962. Two times, he earned his place on the first-team All-American in 1961 and 1962.
To show honor to him, jersey number 78 was retired by the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The name of this man was inducted as a player in 1983. He was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Bobby Bell’s Wife and Son
Bobby is a married man in his personal life. This man is still alive, and his age is 82 years old now. Doris was his first wife. Unfortunately, they separated. Then he married Linda. His son, Bobby Bell Jr., is an NFL football player. He has a daughter named Tracie Walker.
Height and Weight
Bobby Bell stands up to 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 228 pounds.
His playing positions in the field of football were linebacker and defensive end. He was comfortable in both positions. On-demand of the play and on the suggestion of the game, he chose the position of the game. He was a sought-after player on his teams for these positions. Being in these positions, he gained lots of personal success and helped his contracted team to win lots of matches.
On the field of football, his fans saw him skating, wearing jersey number 78. Number 78 was a brand number in his career. His fans could easily trace him in the field of football with that number. They still miss this jersey and wish to see him again on the field of football.
Post-Retirement Ventures
After retiring from professional football, Bobby Bell continued to make significant contributions both in and out of sports. He became a successful businessman, investing in various ventures, including a restaurant and other enterprises. Bell also dedicated time to motivational speaking, sharing his experiences and insights from his illustrious career to inspire others. In addition, he remained actively involved in community service, particularly focusing on youth development and mentorship programs. His commitment to giving back has made a lasting impact, reinforcing his legacy not only as a football legend but also as a positive force in the community and a role model.
Career Statistics:
- Games Played: 168
- Sacks: 40.0
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Interceptions: 26, with 6 returned for touchdowns
- Interception Return Yards: 479
- Fumble Recoveries: 9, with 2 returned for touchdowns
- Defensive Touchdowns: 8
Honors and Awards:
- Super Bowl Champion: IV
- AFL Champion: 1966, 1969
- First-Team All-Pro: 1970
- First-Team All-AFL: 1965–1969
- Second-Team All-Pro: 1971
- Second-Team All-AFL: 1964
- Pro Bowl Selections: 1970–1972
- AFL All-Star Selections: 1964–1969
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- AFL All-Time Team
- Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame Inductee
- Kansas City Chiefs No. 78 Jersey Retired
College Honors:
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- National Champion: 1960
- Outland Trophy Winner: 1962
- UPI Lineman of the Year: 1962
- Unanimous All-American: 1962
- First-Team All-American: 1961
- First-Team All-Big Ten: 1961, 1962
- Minnesota Golden Gophers Jersey No. 78 Retired
North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
What is Bobby Bell’s Net Worth Right Now?
Bobby Bell spent his career years in the sphere of the NFL, entering in 1963 and exiting in 1974. The professional life of this man is mingled with the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). The net worth of this famous football player is $500 thousand. His dazzling football career in the field of football made him a wealthy man. Most of the remaining portions of his wealth are from his career earnings. The rest of the wealth is from the earnings of his post-retirement life.
Quotes
“Success is not just about achieving your goals; it’s about the journey and the lessons you learn along the way.”
“In football, as in life, the key is to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.”
“True greatness is not measured by your achievements but by your impact on others.”
“The game taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork—values that have shaped every aspect of my life.”
“Retirement is not the end; it’s an opportunity to explore new passions and make a difference in new ways.”
Bobby was not married to Pamela. She legally changed her name to Bell but not by marriage. She died. She is not the mother of any of his children either. Bobby Jr and Tracie’s mother and Bobby’s first wife is Doris. He was not a married man at 81 nor has he been for over 20 years. You need to correct your story.
Bobby was never Married to Pamela. She legally changed her last name to Bell though. His first wife is Doris and the mother to Bobby Jr. And Tracie. He also has a son from his second and last wife Linda. He is divorced twice with no other wives. His friend who changed her name died June 24th, 2022 and it has been misquoted that they were married and that they had children together. This is incorrect and needs to be corrected.
Hello Michael,
I am Tracie Walker (not Donnell) Bobby’s daughter. For the most part, your facts in your article are accurate. The date of this article is Feb 2023. My father is 82 years old soon to be 83 years of age. Would love to know where you received your inside information.