Bob Pellegrini, a 1996 inductee into the College Hall of Fame and a unanimous All-America center at Maryland, died April 11 at his home in Marmora, N.J. He was 73.

Born Nov. 13, 1934, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Pellegrini attended Shannock Valley High School where alternately played end, tackle, guard, center and fullback. He enrolled at the University of Maryland, where Coach Jim Tatum (a 1984 Hall of Fame inductee) made him a center.

During his three varsity seasons, Maryland posted a 27-4-1 record, including final Associated Press poll rankings of No. 1 in 1953, No. 8 in 1954, and No. 3 in 1955. Appearing on the Nov. 7, 1955 Sports Illustrated cover, he earned unanimous All-America honors at center and won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1955. He played in the 1956 College All-Star Game, claiming Most Valuable Player honors.

A first round NFL Draft pick, Pellegrini played with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1956 and 1958-61 (breaking in 1957 to serve in the U.S. Army) and with the Washington Redskins 1962-65.

After his playing days, he served as the Miami Dolphins linebackers coach from 1996-67 before entering a career in the gaming industry. In 1991, Pellegrini was named vice president of regional marketing for Merv Griffin's Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He also served as senior vice president of national marketing and assistant vice president of national marketing for Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.

He is survived by his wife, Dolly, two sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren.

NFF