Pat Summerall

When I first joined WCBS-TV Channel two in New York in 1970 there were three men alternating as sports anchor on the local evening news.

Pat Summerall, Frank Gifford and Jack Whitaker. What a powerful trio and all of them were nice guys and very talented.

Pat Summerall died Tuesday at his home in Dallas. He was 82.

Pat was certainly famous for all his accomplishments in sports as a kicker with the New York Giants and as an accomplished broadcaster, but it’s the little things you do and courtesies you extend that linger as appreciation long after the fame fades.

He was particularly nice to me. I was a reporter in a highly competitive and top media market in America. One time I was assigned to do a story at the US Open golf tournament being played at Baltusrol in New Jersey.

I was trying to find a certain executive to comment on the history of the club. I wasn’t having much success. Pat Summerall spotted me walking up the stairs and called to me.

“Rolland, is there anything I can do to help you?”

I explained my dilemma and he stopped what he was doing and escorted me to the executive and made the introduction.

He didn’t need to do that, but that’s the kind of guy he was.

Thanks Pat may you rest in Peace.