Bob Lilly quotes

Bob Lilly is a renowned American football player widely recognized for his exceptional skills as a defensive tackle. Born on July 26, 1939, in Olney, Texas, Lilly made a lasting impact on the game. With an illustrious career spanning from 1961 to 1974, he played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Lilly, also known as "Mr. Cowboy," is fondly remembered for his incredible agility, strength, and tenacity on the field. Throughout his career, he amassed numerous accolades, including 11 Pro Bowl selections, the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team inclusion, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Lilly's unwavering dedication and passion for the sport made him a dominant force within the league. Post-retirement, he has remained actively involved in the football community and established himself as an influential figure in the sport's history. Bob Lilly's legacy continues to inspire aspiring football players and captivate fans worldwide.

We started playing the Baltimore Colts early, and I was still very impressed with Johnny Unitas, who just passed away recently. I thought he was one of the best quarterbacks at the time when I was very young, he was in his prime.

- Bob Lilly

I attribute my entire football career, as far as getting me started, getting me interested, keeping me that way was my father. He went to every game even though he was crippled and wasn't real healthy.

- Bob Lilly

Today, free agency takes away a lot of your heroes, they go somewhere else. Some of them don't but a lot of them do-take the higher offer to go somewhere else. And, it turns the fans off because they get attached to the players.

- Bob Lilly

Some of the money going to the rookies can now be spent on people who have proved their worth. After all, the average playing life of a pro football player is about eight years and it is only fitting that the veterans get something for their efforts.

- Bob Lilly

I think Jim Taylor was very underrated, never hear much about him. We played Green Bay every year in exhibition, and generally we played them every couple of years in regular season. And I always thought he was a fierce competitor.

- Bob Lilly

I think when you are the parents of a gifted athlete, the best thing in the world you can do is to encourage them, in my opinion. My dad didn't push me and I didn't push my children in athletics.

- Bob Lilly