Buffalo Bills Talk

By Vic Carucci  |  NFL.com

It wasn't an act. It wasn't any sort of shtick or gimmick or even the
remotest attempt to attach himself to something that would make him
look, sound, or seem more genuine than the rest of those who inhabited
his working world of national politics.

Tim Russert truly loved the Buffalo Bills. Loved them because they were
his hometown team. Loved them because they were an integral part of his
earliest and fondest childhood memories.

Loved them because of the bond they helped create between him and his
father, the subject of his bestselling book, "Big Russ & Me: Father and
Son: Lessons of Life." Loved them because of the direct and unbreakable
link between his heart and their fortunes.

When I heard the shocking news that his heart had suddenly stopped
beating on Friday, I, like others who call Buffalo home, immediately
thought about the connection between Russert and the Bills.

Excellent article:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d808d35c1

On Jun 14, 9:15 am, Bender wrote:
> By Vic Carucci | NFL.com
>
> It wasn't an act. It wasn't any sort of shtick or gimmick or even the
> remotest attempt to attach himself to something that would make him
> look, sound, or seem more genuine than the rest of those who inhabited
> his working world of national politics.
>
> Tim Russert truly loved the Buffalo Bills. Loved them because they were
> his hometown team. Loved them because they were an integral part of his
> earliest and fondest childhood memories.
>
> Loved them because of the bond they helped create between him and his
> father, the subject of his bestselling book, "Big Russ & Me: Father and
> Son: Lessons of Life." Loved them because of the direct and unbreakable
> link between his heart and their fortunes.
>
> When I heard the shocking news that his heart had suddenly stopped
> beating on Friday, I, like others who call Buffalo home, immediately
> thought about the connection between Russert and the Bills.
>
> Excellent article:
>
> http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d808d35c1

That was an excellent article. It's always hard to lose someone who
represents both a higher standard, and a humble yet fierce grounding
in one's roots. I've heard some complain about the adulation pouring
in being inappropriate for a mere...journalist. But there was nothing
insignificant about what he represented: A civil, non-cynical quest
for truth and accountability; respectful, non-partisan
professionalism; loving and engaged parenthood.

His replacement will have large shoes to fill.