Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell (9) celebrates kicking a field goal with punter Shawn Powell (6) against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
As i mentioned in my article a couple of days ago, Rian Lindell is a very classy act.
After being let go by the Bills after ten years of service, one of the first things he does is congratulate the kid who just took his job from him.
So what does he do for an encore, he sends out an open letter to all Buffalo Bills fans.
Here is the transcript of his letter.
Bills Nation:
Thank you, Bills fans, for all the support I’ve received over the years and over the last few days. I always tried to remember the people I represented every time I put the Bills uniform on. Over the years, I’ve truly enjoyed hearing the many stories Bills fans had to share from Sundays at the Ralph.
I’ll never forget the feeling of driving into the parking lot on gameday and seeing the excitement of fans young or old, warm or cold, going through their pregame routines in anticipation of a Bills victory. What I came to understand over the years was the genuine passion Western New York and Bills nation has for their Bills, and I can’t tell you how appreciative I am to have been a part of it for a decade.
I also want to thank Mr. Wilson and each and every person in the organization for 10 great years together. You made my family and I feel like we were truly a part of your family, and we were proud to “circle the wagons” with you.
Thank you, Buffalo, and while I begin a new and exciting chapter of my career, I look forward to our paths crossing again down the road.
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell wasn’t on the unemployment line for very long, two days later he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bucs already have a kickoff specialist in their punter Michael Koenen so that will alleviate one of the reasons Lindell was let go from the Bills. Lindell still must beat out rookie kicker Derek Dimke before he can lock down the job in Tampa. That may not be as easy as it sounds as the rookie is 5 for 5 in the preseason so far.
Rian, I hope you can beat out this kid. Even if you don’t I am sure that we will see you somewhere in the NFL by the end of the season.
Good luck Rian and thanks for being such a class act.