Bobby Skelton

Bobby Skelton was an American professional football quarterback and coach, best known for his collegiate career at the University of Mississippi and his service as a backup in the National Football League. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, he played under legendary coach Johnny Vaught for the Ole Miss Rebels, contributing to one of the program's most successful eras. His professional tenure spanned seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons, after which he embarked on a lengthy coaching career primarily at the high school level in his home state.

Early life and education

Bobby Skelton was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended Woodlawn High School and excelled in multiple sports. He accepted a scholarship to play college football for the Ole Miss Rebels under head coach Johnny Vaught. At the University of Mississippi, Skelton played alongside future Pro Football Hall of Fame member Archie Manning and was part of teams that competed in major bowl games, including the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl Classic. His time in Oxford, Mississippi coincided with the Rebels' national prominence and fierce rivalry games against opponents like the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers.

Playing career

Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 1961 NFL Draft, Skelton began his professional career as a backup to future Hall of Famer Jim Brown's teammate, quarterback Frank Ryan. During his tenure with the Cleveland Browns, the team contended in the NFL Eastern Conference under coach Blanton Collier. Skelton was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1964 NFL expansion draft, where he played under coach Norm Van Brocklin and backed up quarterbacks like Fran Tarkenton. He concluded his playing career with the Atlanta Falcons during their inaugural 1967 season, playing for coach Norb Hecker in the fledgling franchise's first games at Atlanta Stadium.

Coaching career

Following his retirement as a player, Skelton returned to Alabama and began a decades-long coaching career. He served as an assistant coach at several high schools, including Banks High School in Birmingham, Alabama, and later became a head coach. His coaching philosophy was heavily influenced by his time under Johnny Vaught at the University of Mississippi and his experiences in the National Football League with mentors like Blanton Collier. Skelton was known for developing quarterbacks and offensive systems at the prep level, contributing to the football culture in the Greater Birmingham area.

Personal life

Bobby Skelton was a lifelong resident of Alabama, maintaining deep ties to the Birmingham community. He was married and had children, with his family continuing his association with local sports. After his coaching career, he remained active in alumni activities for the University of Mississippi and was a regular attendee at Ole Miss Rebels football games. Skelton passed away in Birmingham, Alabama in January 2016, survived by his family and remembered by former teammates from his days with the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Ole Miss Rebels.

Legacy and honors

Bobby Skelton is remembered as a key figure in the storied Johnny Vaught era at the University of Mississippi, contributing to teams that won Southeastern Conference championships. Although his professional role was primarily as a backup, his career spanned the early years of franchises like the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons. His greater legacy lies in his extensive high school coaching career in Alabama, where he mentored numerous young athletes. His life and career are commemorated by the Ole Miss Alumni Association and within the football history of the Greater Birmingham area.

Category:American football quarterbacks Category:Ole Miss Rebels football players Category:Cleveland Browns players Category:Atlanta Falcons players