Athletes across the world should take note of the way Rian Lindell thanked the Buffalo Bills fans for their support throughout his 10 -year career with the Bills. By no means is this ground-breaking, but the sentiment is as good as it gets and well worth the read. Lindell was released by the Bills earlier this week and inked a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday. Instead of harboring ill-wishes to the fans or Bills organization he penned an open letter which expresses his thankfulness for his time with the Bills.
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 game day 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
