The Washington Redskins and D.C. sports community lost a good one. NBC Sports Washington reporter Rich Tandler passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 63. The network announced his passing Wednesday.
NBC Sports Washington and the @Redskins community lost a tremendous colleague and friend, and an overall great person.
Our thoughts are with his wife, @missskeetersmom, and his family. pic.twitter.com/QjjjqsSjwN
— NBC Sports Washington (@NBCSWashington) October 17, 2018
Tandler covered the Redskins for more than a decade, creating his the Real Redskins blog in 2004. Redskins fans gravitated to the site that ultimately led to his joining NBC Sports Washington in 2011. His insight on Redskins information was well respected, but his kindness and approach to covering a team in a competitive environment is what was most admired by Redskins fans, media, and his colleagues.
There was an enormous outcry of disbelief and sorrow and tributes from the D.C. area’s media on Twitter following the news of Tandler’s death.
Rich Tandler, who covered the Redskins for NBCSports Washington passed away last night. Just a really sweet, funny guy who liked football a lot and took the job seriously. @TandlerNBCS pic.twitter.com/7nNME9tYE9
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) October 17, 2018
Feeling 😢 today. Just heard man Rico Suave Rich Tandler has left us. He was a very very good man. My heart goes out to his family. My thoughts are with them and my old crew who has had to deal with tragedy now for the 2nd time in a few months. RIP Rich #redskinscrew #nbcsw
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) October 17, 2018
We lost a good one yesterday. Rich Tandler was a great family man, a passionate ‘Skins analyst and a loyal friend to so many around here for so long. My condolences to his family and everyone at NBC Sports Washington. RIP, RT.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) October 17, 2018
Crushed by the news of Rich Tandler's passing. He was the elder statesman of CSN & now NBC Sports Washington. He was a great analyst of the Redskins & a great person. I never saw the guy in a bad mood. I'll miss his sense of humor & always remember his passion for his work. RIP.
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) October 17, 2018
Some days are good days. Some days are bad. This is one of those bad days.
Found out Rich Tandler passed away. I vividly remember walking home after dinner in New Orleans together just a week ago. Sending love, thoughts and prayers to the Tandler & @NBCSWashington family.
— Sherree Burruss (@SherreeBurruss) October 17, 2018
I want to say this very simply. Rich Tandler was a fine man and beloved by so very many. I am thankful that I was able to share in the warm spirit that embodied the kind of person he was. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. We will miss you very much.
— Michael Jenkins (@JenksDC) October 17, 2018
Just seeing this about Rich Tandler. Just awful news… we didnt know him well but he was a very kind man whenever we bumped into him. I read his work frequently and often stole his insights or stats. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
— Eric Bickel (@EBJunkies) October 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/czabe/status/1052587134400585729
So sad to hear about my friend @TandlerNBCS. Passed away today. One of my favorite people in DC sports media when I played and after. You will be missed my friend
— Chris Cooley (@thecooleyzone) October 17, 2018
Just got to Redskins Park and I have no desire to leave my car and enter a room that will never be the same.
Rich Tandler was someone whose presence I enjoyed immensely. Yes, he was kind, funny and a joy to be around but he was also curious. A wonderful person to talk ball with
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) October 17, 2018
I was an admirer of Rich Tandler's work long before he began working for @NBCSRedskins. I am crushed by the news of his passing. He was nearly always the first one in the press box for #Redskins games. Tried to beat him there. Rarely could. @TandlerNBCS pic.twitter.com/Ur3QoEiD8Z
— thom loverro (@thomloverro) October 17, 2018
Incredibly tough news today… 😣saddened to learn of the passing of, Rich Tandler… 😔 Sending prayers to his wife, @MissSkeetersmom and family, and our @NBCSWashington family as well… #RIPRichTandler 🙏🏽💔 https://t.co/RjbbUPyZ6I
— ChristyWintersScott (@ChristyWScott51) October 17, 2018
Redskins owner Dan Snyder called Tandler one of the “most loved and valued” members of the Redskins media in a statement Wednesday.
“We’re devastated to learn of the loss of one of our most loved and valued media members, Rich Tandler, of NBC Sports Washington…Our thoughts are with @missskeetersmom and his family. He will be truly missed." – Dan Snyder
Full Statement: https://t.co/PSyX6tzMjY pic.twitter.com/BDrtAmum36
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 17, 2018
The Redskins will pay a tribute to Tandler this weekend at FedEx Field and no one will sit in his press box seat — Row 1, Seat 15 — again, according to the Washington Post.
Tandler displayed impeccable work in covering the Redskins. He was a model for inspiring bloggers and reporters on how to deliver precise information and opinion. His influence and expertise is one of the many attributes that will be missed by all in the Redskins and D.C. sports community.
