NFL football has been an integral part of my life for over 70 years. Growing up in Chicago, I became a devoted fan of the Bears at a young age and have carried that loyalty with me throughout my career, which has taken me to various NFL cities such as Green Bay, Seattle, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Chicago and Washington D.C., just to name a few. But now, as I prepare for the upcoming NFL season and strategize potential wagers, I can’t help but feel conflicted. It’s not just about the game or my love for it; it’s also about remembering the friends and fellow fans who have passed away in the last year.

One of those friends was Bill Ruder, a kind and impactful teacher who left a lasting impression on many young minds during our time in Minneapolis. Both my daughter and son (who passed away over a decade ago) adored Bill. There was no one I trusted more than Bill to speak at my son’s funeral. Bill was a die-hard Packers fan, and we would often banter online about our teams’ rivalry, and I will miss that camaraderie.

Living in Green Bay, it was hard not to become a partial fan of the Packers. I remember Bill laughing heartily at one incident shared where I played golf with the Packers at a charity event and saw their defensive tackle John Jurkovic get so frustrated after a bad shot that he threw his club over 150 yards (and almost hitting their punter!).

Randy Roberts was another friend and dedicated father who was passionate about his Kansas City Chiefs. Randy also lived in the Minneapolis area and we often exchanged ideas and predictions during football season. He loved hearing stories about how my wife and I knew Andy Reid and his wife from our time in Green Bay. Randy and I always agreed that Andy was one of the nicest people with one of the best minds in football, and watching the Chiefs become a true dynasty proved him right.

Mark Kellar was a close friend from middle and high school who shared my love for football. We played basketball and football together for years and he went on to greatness, leading the entire NCAA Division IA in rushing in 1973 before playing for the Minnesota Vikings for 5 years. Despite losing touch, we reconnected in Minneapolis a few years ago, reminiscing about old times at the racetrack over cigars and bourbon.

As I reflect on these memories, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of having fewer friends to talk football with this season. But I also know that their memories will live on. I will never watch a Packer, Chief or Viking game without thinking about them.