While he is regarded as one of the best players ever to graze the ice, Bobby Hull was reportedly an abusive man, with battery and assault charges filed against him by his second wife in 1986.
Highlights
- Bobby Hull was diagnosed with Stage 2 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) posthumously, highlighting the long-term effects of head trauma in hockey.
- Hull was married twice and had five children with his first wife, Joanne McKay. His second wife, Deborah Hull, was a steadfast presence in his life, especially during his later years as he battled health issues.
- Hull’s contributions to the sport include being the first NHL player to score more than 50 goals in a single season and signing the first million-dollar contract in professional hockey.
Bobby Hull, one of the most iconic figures in NHL history, has been trending recently due to the posthumous diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Hull, known as “The Golden Jet” for his blazing speed and powerful shot, passed away on January 30, 2023, at the age of 84.
His legacy, both on and off the ice, continues to spark conversations about his remarkable career, personal life, and the toll of his sport on his health.
Former Blackhawks legend and HHOFer Bobby Hull tested positive for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the brain-withering disease linked to repetitive brain trauma in contact sports, a researcher and Hull’s family announced.
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 19, 2025
Story from @rwesthead: https://t.co/rB6eC18XmT
Bobby Hull died in Wheaton, Illinois, leaving behind a storied career and a complicated personal history.
In February 2025, his widow, Deborah Hull, revealed that Hull had been diagnosed with stage 2 CTE after his brain was donated to the Boston University CTE Center for research.
Hull had struggled with symptoms such as short-term memory loss and impaired judgment in the final decade of his life, which his family attributed to the disease.
Deborah stated that Hull chose to donate his brain to advance research on CTE, hoping to spare other families from similar suffering.
Bobby Hull Was Married Twice And Had Five Children
Bobby Hull’s personal life was marked by two significant marriages.
His first marriage was to Joanne McKay in 1960, with whom he had five children: Bobby Jr., Blake, Brett, Bart, and Michelle.
Brett Hull, one of his sons, followed in his father’s footsteps to become an NHL legend in his own right. He is a Hall of Famer and one of the top goal-scorers in NHL history.
Bobby Jr. has maintained a lower profile than his siblings. He played junior and senior hockey.
Michelle was an accomplished figure skater, becoming the British Columbia Pre-Novice Champion at the age of 11. She later pursued a career in law and is currently a practicing attorney.
As a running back, Bart played professional football in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Blake has maintained a private life and has not been in the public spotlight. He also played junior and senior hockey.
Hull and Joanne divorced in 1980, ending a marriage that had spanned over two decades.
Bobby Hull had a relationship with a woman named Claudia Allen in the 1980s.
Although they never married, their relationship resulted in the birth of Hull’s youngest daughter, Jessica Hull.
The couple eventually parted ways in 1983.
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In 1984, Hull married Deborah Hull, who remained his wife until his death.
Deborah was a steadfast presence in Hull’s life, particularly during his later years as he battled health issues.
However, their relationship faced challenges early on, with Deborah charging Bobby with battery and assault in 1986. The charges were dropped in March 1987.
She later described him as a devoted husband who felt a sense of duty to contribute to CTE research after witnessing the decline of his former teammate, Stan Mikita, who also suffered from the disease.
Deborah quoted in an official statement,
Seeing the pain and heartache suffered by his lifetime friend Stan Mikita’s family, Bobby felt strongly no other family should have to endure CTE. He insisted on donating his brain, feeling as though it was his duty to help advance research on this agonizing disease.
Daily Caller
For Hockey Hall of Famers Bobby Hull, left, and Stan Mikita, spitting chiclets was a small price to pay for scoring all those goals. 1963. pic.twitter.com/qOvlmg4o7u
— Bad Spit (@BadSpit) July 31, 2023
Bobby Hull Had An Illustrious Hockey Career That Spanned Over Two Decades
Bobby Hull’s career in professional hockey spanned over two decades, during which he became one of the most prolific goal-scorers in NHL history.
He played primarily for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won the Stanley Cup in 1961 and earned two Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player.
Hull was the first NHL player to score more than 50 goals in a single season, achieving this milestone in 1966 with 54 goals.
His powerful slapshot, clocked at 118.3 mph, and his speed on the ice made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent.
NHL Network mourns the passing of Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull. pic.twitter.com/3p2SfLPqkk
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 30, 2023
In 1972, Hull made headlines by joining the World Hockey Association (WHA), signing a groundbreaking $1.75 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
This move not only elevated his career but also brought legitimacy to the fledgling league.
Hull led the Jets to two Avco Cup championships and continued to dominate on the ice, earning the nickname “The Golden Jet” for his blonde hair and electrifying play.
Hull Was A Controversial Figure Off-Ice
While Hull’s on-ice achievements are undeniable, his off-ice life was marred by controversies.
He faced allegations of domestic violence during his marriage to Joanne McKay, which were detailed in a 2002 ESPN documentary.
Additionally, Hull made headlines in 1998 for reportedly making controversial statements about Adolf Hitler, though he later denied these claims.
These incidents have complicated his legacy, overshadowing his contributions to hockey for some fans.
Bobby Hull was the face of the NHL in 1960s, but off the ice, there's a history of racism, domestic abuse and demons. Here's my story on the passing of the troubled hockey legend pic.twitter.com/0TqAyWulO9
— Ahmar Khan (@AhmarSKhan) January 30, 2023
Despite these controversies, Hull’s impact on the sport remains significant.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and named one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in history in 2017.
His jersey number, 9, has been retired by both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets.
Bobby Hull Will Be Remembered Fondly By Fans, Friends, And Family
Bobby Hull’s life was a blend of extraordinary achievements and personal challenges.
His recent CTE diagnosis has brought renewed attention to the long-term effects of head trauma in hockey, sparking important conversations about player safety.
Hull’s legacy as a player is secure, but his personal life and the controversies surrounding it remind us of the complexities of his story.
Bobby Hull's on ice legacy is not up for debate. He was one of the best players to ever play the game. May the Golden Jet Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/x2i9oHl67r
— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) January 30, 2023
As the hockey world reflects on Hull’s life, his family, particularly his wife Deborah and his children, continue to honor his memory.
His contributions to the sport and his decision to donate his brain for research ensure that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Additional Information
- Hull was one of the pioneers of the curved hockey stick blade. He and teammate Stan Mikita experimented with bending the blade to create a “banana blade,” which allowed for more powerful and unpredictable shots.
- Beyond hockey, Bobby Hull had a passion for farming. He owned and operated a cattle ranch in Ontario, Canada, where he spent much of his time during the off-season.
