Farewell, Van — Thanks For The Memories

Van Miller, radio voice of the Buffalo Bills for 37 years, called his last game today. He called the very first game the Buffalo Bills ever played, back in the old AFL, in 1960. He was well known for the excitement he brought to the broadcasts, and yet paradoxically, his very calm and measured broadcast of Scott Norwood's missed field goal in Super Bowl XXV is one of the all-time greatest calls in NFL broadcast history. “High drama at the Super Bowl”, said Van, anticipating Norwood’s kick. Those words still sends chills up my spine when I hear them.

As his last game as broadcaster ended, Van made a few heartfelt comments. But it was his sense of humor that shined through even at this emotional moment. “I think I’m going to open an alpaca ranch in Dunkirk”, he said at the end of his broadcast. “I’m unfastening my seatbelt and turning it over to John Murphy.” And then, for the last time, slowly, “This is the Buffalo Bills (pause) radio network.” The headset Van wore today will go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and I wouldn’t be surprised if sometime in the near future, there is a bust of Van Miller in the Hall of Fame.

Finally, I offer a somewhat politically incorrect joke, which has nothing to do with football, that Van Miller told once.