Bob Lilly was born on July 26, 1939, in Olney, Texas. He lived in several towns growing up, including Throckmorton and Pendleton, Oregon. His family later returned to Texas.
Lilly played college football at Texas Christian University. He was an All-Southwest Conference selection.
In 1961, he became the Dallas Cowboys’ first draft pick. Lilly played defensive tackle for the Cowboys. His career lasted from 1961 to 1974. He appeared in 196 consecutive games. Making 11 Pro Bowl teams. He played in two Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl VI.
Lilly was named to the NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. He later worked as a photographer and businessman. Olney, Texas, was his birthplace. His early years there are part of his personal story. His football career brought him national recognition, but his roots remained in Texas.
Bob Lilly, an eight-time All-NFL selection and eleven-time Pro Bowler, played for 14 seasons as a defensive tackle in his Hall of Fame career.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Bob Lilly with the 13th overall pick in the 1st round of the 1961 NFL Draft.
