Rick Snider obit

Legendary NFL Reporter Dead At 65

 

He was not on the list.

A legendary NFL reporter tragically died suddenly at 65 years old ahead of the 2025 season.

Rick Snider, a longtime NFL reporter known for covering the Washington Redskins and later Washington Commanders, suffered a stroke on August 11. He died on Tuesday, August 26, two weeks after suffering the sudden stroke. Snider had been covering the NFL and professional sports at large in the Washington, D.C. area since 1978.

Dennis Tuttle, a longtime colleague, announced the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.

"Godspeed to Rick Snider, the hardest-working guy I know. Rick suffered a stroke Aug. 11 and died peacefully this afternoon. We were friends for 38 years, worked on many projects together, and rarely went more than a few days without staying in touch. I’m devasted by this loss," he announced.

Snider was 65 years old at the time of his passing.

The legendary NFL reporter, known best for covering Washington's football franchise, had taken a step back in coverage in recent years. He left the Washington Post Express in 2019, left writing for SI.com in 2020, and left Washington, D.C.'s top sports radio station, 106.7 The Fan, in 2024.

Tributes are pouring in

The Washington Commanders released a statement.

“On behalf of the entire Commanders organization, we want to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Rick Snider, who passed away today,” read the Commanders statement. “Rick was a consummate professional who covered the franchise with class for over 40 years. His combination of tremendous knowledge of the game, understanding of the franchise’s history, ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and his quick wit made his coverage unique and compelling. Rick was a great man and an absolute joy to be around. His presence on the Commanders beat will be sorely missed.”

Longtime Washington, D.C. radio host Grant Paulsen added: "When I was first credentialed to attend Redskins camp 26 years ago, Rick Snider was a heavy hitter on the beat. Few people have been as supportive to me in the decades since. I've sat next to him in the press box at hundreds of games. I borrowed his binoculars so many times that at a December game years ago, he wrapped up a new pair of binoculars for me as a Christmas gift. That was Rick. The worst thing about this season will be sitting next to the seat he should be occupying."

Ted Leonsis, who owns the Capitals and Wizards, released a statement, too.

"Rick Snider was one of the good ones. Authentic— real and fair. He loved this city, he loved its people and he especially loved its sports teams. I saw him last at the Harry Benson gallery opening; we talked Beatles, we talked DC sports, we talked media. He was wise and caring and fun. Rest in peace Rick. Prayers for Rick, his family, his friends and all those whose life was touched at one point or another by Rick's kindness. There are lots of us out there."

“Hail to RFK” and “America’s Rivalry” books were his first titles in the late ’90s. His tour guide primer aimed to attract more people to the industry. “Final Form of Love” was among the numerous faith-based projects he pursued.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.