Larry Felser, a longtime pro football reporter and columnist for the Buffalo News, passed away on Wednesday at age 80, the publication reported.
Felser covered the Bills from 1960, when they were one of the charter members of the American Football League, through 2001, the News said. He also was sports editor of the News.
In a statement issued by the Bills, owner Ralph Wilson Jr. praised Felser’s work.
“Larry was there at the beginning of the American Football League and along with fellow reporters such as Will McDonough and others, played an important role in the growth of our league,” Wilson said. “He was the consummate professional — tough, but fair, and never one to shy away from clearly stating his opinion.
“I had tremendous respect for Larry and we developed a deep friendship that lasted throughout our lifetimes. We shared some great laughs over the years and that’s what I am remembering most today about Larry. I will truly miss him. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his lovely wife, Beverly, and their family.”
In 1984, Felser earned the Dick McCann Award, an honor voted upon by the Pro Football Writers of America and awarded by the Pro Football Hall of Fame for meritorious reporting on the sport.
For those wishing to read an example of Felser’s work, the Buffalo News recently republished a column he wrote after the Bills’ remarkable comeback against the Oilers in January 1993.