MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Bobby Bell sat down in the chair, his black gown draped over his shoulders, the black cap tilted just perfectly and the white tassels hanging to his right.
A representative from the University of Minnesota asked the 74-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer if he wanted to wear the graduation attire while he was doing interviews with the media.
''Are you serious?'' Bell said with wide eyes and a playful grin. ''I waited long enough to wear these.''
Fifty-six years after he left campus for pro football, Bell returned to earn his degree in parks, recreation and leisure studies and walk in graduation ceremonies on Thursday.