The Buffalo Bills former Vice President of College Scouting and longtime NFL personnel executive Tom Modrak, positively impacted countless lives over the course of his career. In light of his passing, the Bills pay tribute to Modrak and his remarkable life.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — During his incredible NFL career, Tom Modrak served as a mentor and friend for so many. In learning of his passing, the Buffalo Bills issued the following statements:
“T Mo was one of a kind. I’m grateful for the relationship we shared during our time in Buffalo. He was a great competitor, had a wonderful sense of humor and had a great perspective on life in the NFL. I always appreciated his text messages reminding me that ‘life is all about making memories.’ On behalf of the Pegulas and the entire Buffalo Bills organization, I want to extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy, and the entire Modrak family. We are really going to miss him.”
– Russ Brandon, Bills Managing Partner and President
“Tom Modrak led a remarkable career as an NFL personnel executive and influenced the scouting business and a countless number of scouts along the way. Since we met more than 22 years ago in Pittsburgh, he was instrumental in helping me establish a career as an NFL personnel executive. Tom played a pivotal role in recommending me for my first full-time job in Seattle. I will fondly remember our friendship and the memories we shared. Tom was a devoted family man and well-liked by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sandy, and their family at this time.”
– Doug Whaley, Bills General Manager
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy and her family for the loss of a great football man and an even better person in Tom Modrak. He was a great influence on so many of us who were eager to learn anything we could at a young age in Philadelphia. One of my favorite things about Tom was that he was not about the limelight or personal attention. Instead, he always wanted what was best for the team. His legacy will be left on so many people throughout scouting departments and coaching staffs around the NFL.”
– Sean McDermott, Bills Head Coach
“Today, I lost a friend and one of the most influential mentors in my career in Tom Modrak. While working together in Philadelphia, Tom put me on the right path to learn the foundation of the NFL scouting and personnel business. Throughout my career, I leaned on Tom for advice and he was always there for me along with many of the other scouts he mentored throughout his incredible 40-plus year run in the NFL. Our friendship extended beyond football. Tom and his family always graciously welcomed me into their home and treated me like family every time I would visit them. My heart goes out to his wife, Sandy, and their family during this difficult time.”
– Jim Monos, Bills Director of Player Personnel