'But, the thing is, he made it so simple and easy to just sit and talk – and laugh – with him. I got a chance to see him a few more times in the press box after that over the past few years, and even though his health was deteriorating, you would never know it by his spirit and enthusiasm. Van cared about you having a good time and took pride in making you smile when he spoke. And how could anyone not do that? His love of life and football was infectious, even at 87.'