The San Francisco 49ers area scout and “Vol For Life” Reggie Cobb passed away on Saturday, April 20th at the age of 50. Cobb will be laid to rest in a two-day service on April 28 and 29, in his hometown of Knoxville, TN.
In a press conference, San Francisco 49ers General manager John Lynch said: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of a tremendous teammate and loyal friend, Reggie Cobb,” said 49ers General Manager John Lynch. “Reggie was an enthusiastic and passionate person who had a special ability to brighten up a room with his personality and infectious smile. For 10 years, the 49ers were better because of Reggie and these unique qualities that he possessed. He was a top-notch scout and an exemplary man whose years of service to this organization and the National Football League will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time of mourning.”
In a press conference, Lynch added, “It’d be impossible to go through this draft without a guy that has been with the organization for a decade.
Cobb’s seat at the San Francisco 49ers draft table in Nashville the following Friday night was kept open. Johny Lynch and staff honored Cobb by having Cobb’s son DeMarcus announce the team’s second-round pick from the Nashville stage.
Local celebrity Sterling Henton and Cobb were roommates and teammates at UT. Henton remembers Cobb as smart, whose presence would light up a room, and someone who changed people’s lives.
“Great people don’t die, they multiply,” said Henton. “With all the warm condolences throughout the world that have come to Knoxville, is evidence that he has multiplied his good spirit into a lot of people.”
Cobb was an athletic standout at Knoxville’s Central High School, who became a VFL – Vol For Life at his beloved University of Tennessee. He played 3 seasons under Johnny Majors. He left UT ranking third on its all-time rushing chart with 2,360 yards and 26 touchdowns. Cobb is recorded in UT sports history as one of the greatest running backs in “Big Orange Country.” He also lettered in track and was a member of the school’s 100th-anniversary team. Cobb graduated with a degree in Urban Studies in 1990.
Cobb went on to play seven seasons in the NFL. He was a second-round draft pick by Tampa Bay in 1990, then played for Green Bay, Jacksonville, and the New York Jets. His best season was in 1992 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he rushed for 1,171 yards and scored 9 touchdowns. Cobb’s NFL career stats show 3,743-yards rushing and 25 touchdowns.
Cobb went from an NFL player to a scout where he continued to excel. He was an Area Scout with the Washington Redskins for two seasons (2001-02), then for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003-2008), before joining the scouting team of the 49ers where he was in his 11th year at the time of his passing.
While with the 49ers, Cobb was named2011 NFC Scout of the Year by Fritz Pollard Alliance.
San Francisco general manager John Lynch called Cobb a “top-notch scout and an exemplary man.” He remembers Cobb as someone who could “brighten up a room with his personality and infectious smile.”
OBITUARY
(Houston, TX) Reginald John Cobb, age 50, passed away suddenly on April 20, 2019 in Santa Clara, CA. A Knoxville native and resident of Houston, TX, Reggie was born July 7, 1968 and was reared in the Fountain City community.
Cobb is survived by his mother, Valeria “Val” Cobb; son, DeMarcus Cobb; sisters, Kathy and Pam; brothers, William, Tyrone and Terrance; father, Ike Cobb; fiancee, Jessica “Niki” Jordan; best friends, Rodney Houseal and Sterling Henton and many family members, and life-long friends and fans.
Cobb’s services will be in Knoxville, TN, his beloved hometown and VFL family. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, on Sunday, April 28, at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman Street, Knoxville, TN. Eulogist will be Rev. Bryant Stewart, and OBC Senior Pastor Rev. Daryl W. Arnold.
On Monday, April 29, at 11 a.m. Reggie will be laid to rest at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 W. Adair Dr. in Knoxville, with a white dove release. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy and condolences can be sent by visiting pattonfuneralhome1962.com