A Letter from the Grave, Russ Francis Writes to me

I write this on New Year’s Day, as I sit alone, reflecting on the past and what future I have left. I went through old papers recently and found a letter 49ers great tight end Russ Francis wrote me after he retired. I had not read this letter in 30 years, but I remember it and was grateful to find it. Russ handwrote it with a blue ballpoint pen on legal-sized yellow paper.

I share this with you not because he writes nice things about me, but because I want you to understand what it used to be like. Writers like me could hang around the 49ers locker room after a weekday practice and talk to the players, get to know the players. We were people to each other. It would be impossible for a journalist today to know Russ the way I knew him or to receive a letter like this. The NFL has shut down media access to an alarming degree. My last few years covering the 49ers the place felt like a prison on lockdown.

Russ, dear, smart, complicated man, died in a plane crash in Lake Placid, NY in October 2023. RIP, Russ.

7/27/89

South Lake Tahoe

Dear Lowell,

As I sit here listening to Merle Haggard sing easy come, easy go, I’m reminded that I’ve meant to write you many times regarding a story you wrote, and other things.

I know you write many stories, that you may not remember the story I refer to. Goodbye Russ. Has a nice ring to it.

I’m ahead of myself, so I’ll back up.

Over the years in the game I’ve met a lot of folks both on the field and off. A lot of fans, players, writers, coaches etc. It seems that some players see writers as their natural enemy, I’ve never seen it quite that way, but have been close once or twice.

I’m dragging this on, the true meaning of this note.

In the years I’ve had the pleasure and pain of being associated with game, I’ve met few like you. Initially you struck me as abrasive and opinionated. I suppose because you didn’t follow the dictate of many. You were then and are now I’m sure still different. I write this not because of the last story you wrote of me. I like to think I came to this conclusion long before I left. I enjoyed our discussions and your perspectives. Where others thought you crossed the line of knowing what the hell you were talking about, I smiled and chuckled many times while others frowned and or cursed your written words.

You were tough, yet tender, and fair. You were true to yourself and your beliefs. I may not of always agreed with you, but I respected and liked you for your honesty.

I’ll remember you for that.

I’m no longer in your world of sports, but I’ve learned from you, and I thank you for that. I guess that’s why I’m writing this, to say thanks.

In this world of fast food, easy come, easy go, fast words and lost truth, you remain a constant.

I hope your readers can appreciate you for what you are. A rare breed.

I remain an admirer and a friend,

Aloha,

Russ Francis