Robert Lee Neely (born March 22, 1974) is an American actor and former American football tight end who played for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Virginia University.

Bobby Neely
No. 87
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1974-03-22) March 22, 1974 (age 50)
Atlanta, Georgia
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:Benjamin Elijah Mays High School
College:Virginia
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Games played:11
Games started:5
Receptions:9
Receiving yards:92
Player stats at PFR

Early life and education edit

Neely played all four of his college years at Virginia University. He played his first year at Virginia, being one of only four true freshman that season. After his first season at the University of Virginia, he was regarded as one of the best freshman Tight-Ends in the country. After suffering, a high ankle sprain during a career high statistical game against the University of Michigan in 1995, Bobby played in only five games his senior season. He was very frustrated that he had missed the chance to be a All-ACC tight end. He believed that he deserved the award because he did just as well as the winner. He also claimed that he was the best tight end out there and one of the only 'real' ones.[1][2] Meaning, having the ability to both block and catch passes was key. While there, he caught 50 passes for 509 yards.[3] Unfortunately out of those 50 catches, none resulted in a touchdown. Some believe these factors led to him being undrafted.

Professional career edit

After college, he was signed to the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He did not make the final roster. Therefore, he decided to sign with the Miami Dolphins practice squad. About five games into the season, however, the Bears had lost all of their active tight ends due to injuries. They re-signed Neely to their active roster where he was now the starting tight end.[4] During his rookie season, he played in eleven games, starting in five. He caught 9-of-13 passes for 92 yards in the games he played.[5] He suffered a career-ending injury before his second season.

Post career edit

Neely took his talents to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. He has appeared on shows NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, and most recently Rebel, and Seal Team. He currently still lives in Los Angeles and is a Luxury Real Estate agent with Amalfi Estates in Pacific Palisades. [6]

References edit

  1. ^ "Cav hopes to grab lost glory". Daily Press (Virginia). December 27, 1995.  
  2. ^ "Cav hopes to grab lost glory: continued". Daily Press (Virginia). December 27, 1995.  
  3. ^ "Bobby Neely college statistics". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  4. ^ "Neely goes from fodder to starter". Northwest Herald. November 8, 1996 – via Newspapers.com.  
  5. ^ "Bobby Neely NFL statistics". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  6. ^ "Bobby Neely Rotten Tomatoes profile". RottenTomatoes.com. Retrieved June 15, 2022.

External links edit