By Micah Neese—
The novel coronavirus has taken the lives of many through the past weeks. Even former LSU athletes, who may seem to be untouchable legends in our minds, are not invincible to this disease. A champion of Louisiana football, Bobby Hebert Sr, died of the Coronavirus this week.
Mr. Bobby Hebert Sr endeared himself to many LSU fans, players, and coaches as the father of former quarterback for the Saints, Bobby Hebert Jr, and former LSU offensive linemen and Baton Rouge sports radio show host, T-Bob Hebert.
As a state highway department worker, he met just about everyone in Louisiana, but his closest circles were all related to LSU football, from LSU sports writers, analyst, and radio hosts to coaches, and players. He left a lasting impression on the world as an bright and talkative personality. This is sad news for all of Tiger nation and everyone of those people who enjoyed a talk with Bobby, the homecoming king of Louisiana.
This year was a culmination of his life and in many ways a fitting grand finale to his honorable time on this earth. He was a childhood friend of Coach O and he watched Coach O go through a lot of trouble and difficulty to become the head coach at LSU. His grandson was part of the crushing 2011 loss to Alabama which became the start of a difficult era. After the 46-41 victory over Alabama he was quoted in overjoyed delirium saying, “LSU beat Alabama! LSU beat Alabama! And Bebe’s out there. I don’t believe it.” According to Mike Detillier, he cried like a baby that night, and it was his favorite moment of the season. Mine too. LSU had ended the reign of Alabama that started with the 2011 championship loss that his grandson was a part of and ended with his best friend since childhood, ‘Bebe’, leading his Tigers to a thrilling victory. Of course, LSU would go on to complete the 2020 season in high fashion, perhaps as a thank you to their most loyal friend.
My heart is filled with joy for an LSU fan from a previous generation of LSU football to receive the reward of his patience and get to see his Tiger’s be crowned national champions after a perfect and beautiful season.
GEAUX TIGERS! Rest in Peace, Bobby Hebert Sr.
