The NFL has a long history of legendary players in every era, leaving their imprint on the league according to the times they play in. And the fans don’t forget their legends even after a great deal of time has passed. One such legend recently passed away, evoking emotional reactions from the fan base of his former team and the entire NFL community in general. Many tearful fans bid adieu to a Buffalo Bills legend from a bygone era.
Conrad Dobler played for the Bills for just two years in Buffalo in the early 80s. But he left a big impression on the Bills Mafia in such a small time.
Fans say goodbye to Conrad Dobler
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The NFL world lost a legendary player when retired offensive lineman Conrad Dobler passed away on Monday, the Bills announced. He was 72. The three-time Pro Bowler played in the league for a decade, from 1972 to 1981.
After the news of his passing hit social media, tearful fans bid farewell to the legend of the game. Fans remembered his hard-nosed brand of football. Some called him.one of the best and lamented that he did not play for their favorite franchise. Here are some fan reactions. A fan has a copy of the SI issue with Dobler on the cover to this day.
I have a copy of that issue my collection from the ‘70s in my garage to this day
— Doug Cooper (@CoopWHS) February 14, 2023
Another fan says every team needs a Conrad Dobler in sports.
About 8 years ago, one of the other Dads on my son's Varsity hockey team was standing next to me and said, your boy is our Conrad Dobler and we appreciate him for it. Took me aback for a second, then I just embraced it. Every team needs a Dobler. Rest easy sir!
— Maury Springer (@Maury7707) February 14, 2023
This fan saw Dobler score a touchdown after recovering a fumble in the end-zone.
I saw him score a touchdown on Halloween night when he recovered a fumble in the end zone.
— Darren Tivoli (@DTivoli67) February 14, 2023
Another fan is amazed at the speed with which time goes by.
Who knows where the time goes. It was just yesterday.
— Schindleria Praematurus (@Mojorisn) February 14, 2023
This fan was in love with Dobler during his stint with the Bills.
Loved him when he was with the Bills. Very sad news.
— HockeyBucketList (@pjdelany2) February 14, 2023
This fan wanted Dobler to be with the Raiders as he was one of the best.
One of the best. Should've been a Raider
— Carlo Cino (@carlocino) February 14, 2023
Dobler played for various teams throughout his career in the NFL. But one thing that did not change was that the guard protected his QB, no matter the cost. According to his own admission, he would do anything he could get away with while protecting his QB.
A decade of hard-nosed career
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Conrad Dobler started his career with the St. Louis Cardinals as a fifth-round pick in the 1972 NFL draft. He played for the Cardinals for six seasons, earning three Pro Bowl appearances. Dobler also got the tag of ‘the dirtiest player’ of his era. And he lived up to the tag throughout his career.
Dobler achieved a career high in the 1975 season with the Cardinals when their O-line gave just eight sacks throughout the season. It was a league record till 1988 when the Miami Dolphins broke it with one less sack in that season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dobler left the Cardinals after the 1977 season and spent two years each with the New Orleans Saints and the Bills. The fans will always remember him for his commitment to the job.
Watch this story: Tom Brady Went to The Same High School As This Controversial MLB Hall of Famer Who Was Also A 14x All-Star
