Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
You know how when you meet someone who is notable or famous who you like, and in those few moments before you encounter them, you hope like hell they're as good a person as you imagine them to be? That was the case with Gil Santos.
He was the radio voice of the Patriots from 1966-79, and picked it up again in 1991 until his retirement following the 2012 season. (He was also one of the TV voices of the Celtics from 1981-89, on Channel 4 and Channel 56.) I was lucky enough to chat with him on a number of occasions about football, in person and over the phone. First time I called him up, I couldn't help but be more than a little intimidated. I called him Mr. Santos. I mean, come on -- the guy had the sort of pipes you'd kill for, and had the sports media bonafides to back it all up. He was the one on TV with Cooz calling the Celtics. The one in the booth next to Gino in Foxborough. Through the years, he built an epic library of highlight reel calls. This was one of the fundamental sports voices you grew up on. Of course you're going to be a little blown back when he answers the phone.
But he was always gracious, pleasant and accommodating. It's Gil, he'd say. He could talk for days about the old days with the Patriots, and broadcasting a game once when the stands caught fire and people sought refuge on to the field. About how they shouldn't have a Pro Football Hall of Fame unless Gino is a part of it. Or about what it meant to him to be a part of things that wild night in New Orleans when New England won Super Bowl XXXVI.
From the Pats 2001 Yearbook: Gil Santos' call on the final drive of Super Bowl 36! #RIPGilSantos pic.twitter.com/8UooX8vG7V
— '03 Kliff Kingsbury (@fearthe_beard11) April 20, 2018
Statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft on the passing of Patriots Hall of Fame Broadcaster Gil Santos: pic.twitter.com/gfrmcGoy6S
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 20, 2018