Today he works as an instant replay official for the National Football League.

But Bobby Skelton still remains a steadfast supporter of the University of Alabama.

Skelton was in town Tuesday night to speak to the Selma Quarterback Club. The former Crimson Tide quarterback spoke of his time as a college and professional football referee, his days at Alabama and his relationship with legendary Tide coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

“Football has really, really changed over the years,” Skelton said. “Back when I played, head coaches made about $40,000 a year. Today they make millions.

“I don’t understand paying them that much, and they sit back and don’t expect anyone to question them,” Skelton added. “If I’m paying someone that much money, I’ll give them all the questions I can come up with.”

Skelton also discussed the passing game. He said the game today is more pass-oriented than ever.

“The idea is get the ball down the field,” he said. “Now teams throw the ball on third-and-one.

“If they’ve got a fourth down deep in their own end of the field, teams are going for it. We used to kick the ball on first down,” Skelton quipped.

Skelton was the first quarterback selected by Bryant at Alabama. Skelton recalled the game in 1960 against Georgia Tech when the Tide struggled and fell behind the Ramblin’ Wreck, 15-7.

In that game, Skelton and the Tide failed to move the ball against Georgia Tech, prompting Bryant to bench him for future All-American quarterback Pat Trammell.

“Coach Bryant told me, ‘Go sit down on the bench or you’ll never take another snap at Alabama,'” he said.

However, Skelton was brought back into the game when Trammell was injured.

“I was the only guy fired and rehired in the same game by Coach Bryant,” Skelton said.

One year later, Trammell would lead Alabama to a national championship.

Skelton also said Ronnie Baynes, head coach in the late 1960s at Parrish High School – now known as Selma High School – is now the coordinator of NFL officials and is living in New York.

The next Selma Quarterback Club meeting will be Oct. 5. The club will welcome former Alabama and Auburn basketball coaches Sonny Smith and Wimp Sanderson. The two now co-host the Sonny & Wimp Sports Show.