Legendary Voice of the Buffalo Bills Passes Away at 87

The Buffalo Bills never won a Super Bowl, but the team, the city and the fans were blessed with one of the game's all-time best play by play men.  Van Miller brought the game to life, even if you had to listen on the radio back in the days when home games weren't televised locally.

So it seems a piece of our own lives has been taken from us with word that Van Miller has passed away at the age of 87.  Van Miller was the original voice of the Buffalo Bills back in 1960 thru 1971 and again from 1977 thru 2003.  When he retired in 2003 he held the distinction of being the longest-serving play by play man with one team in pro football history.

On the air he was a consummate professional.  His calls, his descriptions, his excitement was legendary.  It was a sad day when he finally called it quits.  But I had the honor of being seated in the Bills pressbox just one seat over from Van for 10 years.  The stories he told about things that went on behind the scenes were hysterical.  When he visited training camp or arrived in the press box he was treated like royalty because in a way he was.

STATEMENT FROM BILLS PRESIDENT RUSS BRANDON

"On behalf of Terry and Kim Pegula and everyone at One Bills Drive, we are all deeply saddened with the news of the passing of Van Miller. As the ‘Voice of the Bills,’ Van's historic radio calls of Bills games over the years will forever resonate with our fans. His Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame talent was overshadowed only by his engaging personality, his witty sense of humor and his love for the Bills. We will all dearly miss ‘Uncle Van,’ but his legacy will remain deeply embedded in our franchise's history and in the hearts of his countless fans in Western New York and throughout the NFL community. Our deepest sympathies, along with our thoughts and prayers, go out to his wife Gloria and all of Van's family during this difficult time."

NOTE: A private service for the family is being planned at the current time.

There will never be another Van Miller.  Rest in Peace Van.