Robert Barton "Bullet Bob" Westfall (May 5, 1919 – October 23, 1980) was an American football fullback who played for the University of Michigan (1939–1941) and the Detroit Lions (1944–1947).

His father abandoned the family when Westfall was two years old which necessitated he and his older sister living in foster homes until his mother was able to move them to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1924.

At age 10 Westfall started as a caddy and worked other jobs while his sister sewed as they struggled to survive during the Great Depression.

They lived in a tiny second-floor apartment on Greene Street "in the shadow of the Michigan Stadium"-a location perhaps affecting the future.

Demonstrating a remarkable talent for athletics, Westfall starred in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Ann Arbor High School.

Engaging in sports at all was remarkable due to severe bronchial asthma that affected him from the age of nine throughout his entire life.

"[5] Westfall was the first Ann Arbor High School graduate to play for the Wolverines since Hall of Famer John Maulbetsch in 1916.

[11] He had large powerful legs and one newspaper report called him Michigan's "chunky fullback" and noted that he was "generally recognized as the greatest exponent of the spinner play in collegiate ranks.

Westfall scored two touchdowns and, with three minutes to play, made "the defensive gem" of the game by tackling Red Hahnenstein a yard short of a first down on the Michigan seven-yard line.

"[19] In a November 1941 game against Columbia at Baker Field in New York City, Westfall scored three touchdowns for his highest single-game point total.

[27] The United Press called him "Michigan's human top" and tabbed him as one of the two brightest stars for the East.

The AP noted: "Bullet Bob Westfall may look like a physical wreck to his draft board but he's on his way to national recognition as at least one of the greatest fullbacks again this season.

At the time of his wedding, Westfall told reporters that after graduating in June, he might play for the Lions if the Army would not take him.

Westfall was initially assigned to play for the Eastern All-Army football team, but he broke his left elbow after falling from a horse in August 1942.

[31][32] Westfall had played in the College All-Star game in late August unaware that his elbow was broken.

Westfall was subsequently reassigned to the Air Corps radio operator program at Scott Field in Illinois.

[36] In December 1943, Westfall received a medical discharge from the Army Air Corps while still stationed at Scott Field.

[39] Through the summer months, newspapers reported on the "burning question whether Westfall would play for Michigan or the Detroit Lions.

"[40][41] Lions coach Gus Dorais told the press, "Football salaries are paid for ability and gate appeal, and we are sure Westfall still has both.

In 1979 Westfall was selected by U of M officials as one of the 25 All-Time Great University of Michigan football players, which was announced on the TV program "Blue Magic", hosted by Tom Harmon.

In 2000, he was named as a running back (Honorable Mention) to the University of Michigan All-Century Team and as a member of The Backfield of the Century for the years 1900–1999.

[52] In 2005, he was selected as one of the 100 greatest Michigan football players of all time by " Motown Sports Revival," ranking 75th on the all-time team.