Anyone who ever met Tom Kowalski knew him as “Killer.”
But now, his name will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to his former co-workers at MLive.com
The former Lions beat writer was honored posthumously Friday with the Dick McCann Memorial Award from the Pro Football Writers Association, which recognizes a reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution to pro football through coverage.
The award will be presented during the Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner in August, during the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.
Kowalski died of a heart attack last year at 51, after more than 30 years in the news business. The team has honored his memory by naming the media workroom after him, but his spirit was as big as an entire stadium.
“I miss Tom’s work,” said Fox Sports Detroit’s Mike O’Hara, who was The Detroit News’ longtime Lions beat writer. “I miss his presence even more. Thirty years of arguing, insulting, laughing and some serious talk was a great experience, but I’d like 30 more. His dedication to covering the game of football was unmatched.”
Kowalski was an institution in Detroit, and now his name will be etched alongside the legends of the newspaper business.
He deserved it years ago, and in his passing, we realize how much so.