Dr. Z suffers strokes

Damn... get well soon, Dr. Z.

 

When I picture a sports writer, it's not the negative stereotype you see in every movie, it's Zim. Always has been. I wish I had his gift of observation, and wish I enjoyed my job now the way he still does at his age. Thoughts and prayers ...

 

One of the few sportswriters who will back up just about every word he writes with facts. He doesn't just say, "Joe Blow has lost a step at corner" he will say that teams are throwing to that guy's side 35 percent more often than they did a year ago.
He never forms an opinion by seeing one play - he will watch that play several times, find out if someone was injured, and really get to the nut of something. He shows much more respect to the reader than most people in the biz.

 

I think Dr. Z is a perfect example of the idea that if a writer is passionate about a subject and willing to do the research and put in the time to really learn about it, the readers will follow.

 

Definitely not the time for that, BuckeyeGA. :

 

Went into the archive and read that after seeing f_t's comment. Just amazing work.

 

Here is the NYG-Buf SB story

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1118810/index.htm

Redskins-Bills

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1141581/index.htm

 

Didn't Dr. Z pick the Bills to win four years in a row?

 

Bills 24, Giants 17

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1118785/1/index.htm

Bills 20, Redskins 17

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1003352/index.htm

Bills 27, Cowboys 24

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1137412/index.htm

Cowboys 24, Bills 17

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004796/index.htm

(Great opening line for the fourth preview after Dallas beat SF and Buffalo beat KC to deny a Montana vs. Young Super Bowl: We wanted The Sound of Music, and we got Son of Frankenstein.)

 

i feel blessed indeed: grew up reading paul in the ny post. kept on reading/learning when he hooked up at s.i. honored to call him a friend since i followed his path covering the jets and then the nfl.

he's the greatest. only the best of thoughts and most heartfelt prayer going out to him and the flaming redhead.

 

I mean to disrespect to Dr. Z and I wish him the best, but it is a valid question considering King says Zimmerman is going to start rehab and the fact that his salary is rumored to be in the seven-figure range. A buyout isn't always a bad thing, especially when health is an issue.

 

Buddy of mine who worked for me is a former Columbia football player and Dr. Z (also a former Lion) is at their annual alumni dinner. I had just come back from a trip to wine country, so my friend texts me so he can ask the good doctor if any of the wine which I bought was any good. So I text back the name of the best bottle that I bought. Dr. Z's response -- tell your friend that he is a pretentious ass.

How can't you love a guy like that?