Rich Eisen Pays Tribute to the Late, Great Bill Walton | The Rich Eisen Show

[@thomasmadigan6083]

Bill Walton was a national treasure.

[@rolmodel12.]

Still is, my friend. He is physically gone, but who and what he was remains. Absolute legend of a human being.

[@jeffkravitz7105]

Absolutely 💯

[@bobheck8326]

Loved him hugely ❤️🇺🇸👍

[@leifjohnson617]

I am not ashamed to say that I have cried over the loss of Bill Walton. What a great man in every respect.

[@robertperez86]

“Shine the light Be the light!” God Speed Bill 🙏🏽

[@Keepitreal23145]

Never heard anyone with a bad word to say about Bill. RIP Sir.

[@mc76]

Just Shaq.

[@markchaplin119]

@@mc76 Shaq called him weak..shaqs a bully

[@clifftanton8385]

Class act❤

[@keenannorris3309]

@@mc76 Shaq is wack. The jerk hates on everyone. Bill was full of love and life.

[@Stevesautopartsify]

Shaq didn't have any of the talent Bill did!

[@missolympiabinewski]

Met him with my little sister at a charity event. When he found out she had just started playing basketball he asked her a dozen questions about her middle school basketball game and gave an impassioned little personal speech about how important and meaningful the game was and how much it could teach her about life. We were literally nobody, there was no reason for him to talk to us (I was just there to take people's coats and my sister was waiting for my mom to pick her up), and he treated us like the most important people there. A terrifically kind man. Treasure the experience still.

[@danalawton2986]

He knew... we're all in this together, so instead of being a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. "Shine the Light, Be the Light!"

[@AdamKlownzinger]

It’s times like this when we need a 2-hour moment of silence, very occasionally interrupted by Frank Caliendo doing Bill Walton.

[@clifftanton8385]

Legendary great in 86 remember that when they beat Houston in the finals class act funny and witty man too

[@clifftanton8385]

Sad loss unique man rock n roller great full dead fan free spirit

[@michaeldailey7103]

As a 57 yr old San Diego native I can tell you Bill W IS San Diego !!!!! He STAYS CLASSY !!!

[@SSNESS]

Big beaver teeth

[@myvintagesunburst7418]

must've gotten something in my eyes ... RIP Mr. Walton . You were an American treasure ...

[@revkarl]

Not the only one...

[@rstevens1836]

"Shine The Light, Be The Light." - Bill Walton. Thank you Bill for being a super-positive witty dude, and for winning my Portland Blazers their only championship.

[@static1217]

That, "I'M ALIVE!!!!". Fucking broke me!!! Thank you for everything Bill!!

[@mattcraig4601]

Best part is the handwritten note from Bill to Rich. We need to hand write more notes to each other instead of texting, IMHO

[@stevewise1656]

Bill Walton is one of one. There will never be another man like him.

[@brianstones6234]

The embodiment of a Californian! RIP-Mr.Walton thanks for the good vibes dude!!!

[@davidabbett7011]

Bill Walton was / is a Top-10 personality in USA sports history. Truly . . . . Truly, a good human being in a world of terribly flawed human beings.

[@ORagnar]

Thanks for that wonderful tribute and story, Rich. Bill Walton was a great basketball player, but it seems that his enthusiastic life spirit was what really stood out. RIP Bill... you will be missed. :-( o

[@user-ng4nn4zw6r]

Loved me some Bill Walton basketball. Loved me some UCLA basketball back in the day. Even when all of the fellas in the hood was pulling for David Thompson, I was openly pulling for Bill Walton.

[@wessheavner4294]

I saw an interview once where john wooden was asked who his best player and he immediately said bill walton. Very very high praise indeed.

[@slotrane8853]

What a freaking awesome story. He just made you smile. A little bit of light left the world. Thanks Bill Walton

[@dbyd777]

Mr Eisen.....what a magnificent tribute to a man who it seems never had a bad day and treated everyone with the utmost honor, respect and dignity. What a phenomenal story about the broken windshield ❤

[@johnchedsey1306]

Even for those of us who never paid much attention to basketball, Bill Walton is legendary. That's an amazing story and a honestly one of the sweetest tributes I've seen.

[@patrick815]

Best story ive heard so far.... Shine the Light - Be the Light ✨️

[@fv1291]

Bill was an amazing neighbor, always waved as he rode by on his racing bike.

[@briankorbelik2873]

Bill Walton was one of a kind. From his hippy-dippy Grateful Dead stuff to on the court. I'm 67 and I will miss him. And, I'm a diehard Lakers fan, Bill Walton was one of the very few that gave Kareem fits. I hope that wherever you are you and Jerry Garcia are laughing and smoking some spliffs. This news has taken the wind out of my sails for a while. So long Bill, save me a room at the Mars Hotel.

[@iamwhoiam7482]

“Fare thee well fare thee well I love you more than words can tell, listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul🎶🎼🎵🎵🎼🎶 RIP Bill NFA ❤

[@elliotb1795]

Bill was one of the realest guys, I can just tell. Life was about having fun, not taking it too seriously, and just being human.

[@patticriss2238]

This one hits. I didn’t know he had cancer. Loved Bill Walton. My husband I, while traveling last, week. Talking nostalgic things. I told him I never sent a fan letter. Only sent one condolence to a tv personality. Tim Russert. 💙. I told my husband that I was going to sit down Monday morning and compose and email to Bill Walton and find how to send it. We talked about him for half an hour. Such a joy. I did begin the email on Sunday night. To just tell him how much we loved to watch him play and how much we just thought he was a fine and decent human being and we’re glad you are on the planet WITH us. Monday afternoon, my birthday, we were eating in downtown okc. Bricktown. Every tel vision immediately was turned up. Most of the crowd stopped talking, and we just stared. I had my hand over my heart and cried. Didn’t expect that reaction but he was wonderful.

[@patticriss2238]

Those sidearm bullets he threw in the paint, man. He was so crafty. What a blessing to have had him here.

[@patticriss2238]

Those bullet passes in the paint. Man he was something. That sidearm bullet pass was my favorite. And don’t even try to challenge him at the rim for a rebound.

[@joeborromeo8693]

I could listen to Bill Walton read the phone book and be captivated by every word

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

when we were in High School I remember Bill getting out of his Karmen Ghia so he was used to squeezing into small cars. He also sat at concerts with his feet up on the stage so he could stretch out. He was truly a big man and probably really over 7 foot if you see him standing next to his contemporaries. And always remember, his college records were done without a dunk due to the Alcindor rule forbidding dunks and he played against many of the greatest centers of all time.

[@davidday2373]

Great, fun times listening to Ralph Lawler and Bill Walton on L.A. Clippers broadcasts... the good old days. 🤙

[@kenlauerer3376]

You were a special man Big Red!

[@raystudevent7446]

I met Bill once in San Diego and once at a Stanford game. Absolutely the greatest guy.. so kind and warm and you felt like what all athletes should be like. So humble and grateful for his life.

[@martinleavitt6094]

Celtic Nation mourns the loss of,as many have previously mentioned, a true National treasure..i was fortunate enought to see Bill in Celtic green#5 and help bring home a world championship in June, 1986.....he was a true ambassador of the sport of basketball....life in general,for that matter.......rest easy,big fella.... Condolences to the Walton family from Northern New England,USA...🙏

[@carlmarch603]

At the beginning of the school year in ‘74, I was a senior at Willamette U in Salem, OR. The Blazers were using our brand new gym as a practice facility. I happened to run into Bill standing outside enjoying the sunshine (it doesn’t always rain in the PNW). He starts talking to me like he’s just a regular guy about his experience at UCLA, joking about how there might be classes on his transcript that he didn’t take, and of course, asked me about what I was studying and commented on what a beautiful campus we had. I wished him luck with the Blazers and told him we fans were thrilled to have him in Portland. He was larger than life already at such a young age… RIP, Bill

[@bukimoore2645]

Legends Never Die🏀❤🎙Helix High School, San Diego California!

[@db3467]

Surely heaven awaits such a great man like Bill Walton.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I talked to Bill dozens of times at Dead shows. I attended over 300 shows (71-95) and just because of familiarity I got to know Bill. He was a wonderful person. I only saw him a few times since Jerry Garcia died but he always remembered me even though years would go by. Just a warm person and we shared a love of music. We never talked about basketball.😊

[@curtismcneil8695]

One of the Greatest NCAA Final Performances you’ll ever see as he officially hit 21 of 22 shots Against Memphis State in 1973. I believe they took a few baskets away because of the No Dunk rule at the time or he would have been 25 of 26. People forget He also led The Portland Trail Blazers to their only NBA Title in 1977 also winning the MVP. Three time College Basketball Player of the year. Two time Final Four MVP. NBA MVP 1978. Two NCAA Titles, Three Final Four appearances. 86-4 Record at UCLA. 6th Man of the year award in 1986 and also a second NBA Title as a Member of the Boston Celtics. He would be talked about even more had his career not been slowed by injuries. RIP Bill Walton

[@bartmix8994]

Been watching the tributes, we really lost a great one. Throw it down Bill Walton, then RIP cause you deserve it.

[@Chadski-22]

"Fire on the Mountain", nice call Rich. Bill would approve. Thanks for the stories, we appreciate it! 😊

[@illusion9966]

a very few are lights in this world... Bill Walton was a BEACON of a light... one large enough to guide you through the densest fog Rest In Peace Bill.. We're all so lucky you were in our lives

[@billyrubin7713]

Love the ‘fire on the mountain’ reference, Rich!

[@edgardocastillo1968]

Rest in peace Bill Walton

[@Jonsturdofficial_]

Just a beautiful person. That moment he ate that cupcake with the lighted candle and his stories, man was just so great. RIP 😔

[@WeirsBeard]

I just adored Bill. Grew up as an undersized hs center in Boston when he joined Larry’s Celts, met him at Dave Cowens’ summer basketball camp!! Then I discovered the Dead and THEN I discovered his place in our Deadfamily. And what a second act! His loss hits hard. You know our love will not fade away Big Red!❤💀🌹❤️

[@garrettwilkie6046]

Probably oke of the most amazing stories ive ever heard. Wow

[@butkusfan23]

Wow his impression of him was actually really good- he nailed the voice and his essence. RIP Mr Walton, I heard nothing but good things about you.

[@stephenscafaria3389]

From Florida. Would stay up and watch and listen to the west coast games because of him.Really a sad day who followed him.Big man plain and simple, thank you. REST IN PEACE MAN.

[@johantrenier1685]

Great great remembrance. Tears all day hearing these stories.

[@ronherrera8327]

Bill Walton was one of a kind in our world, and it definitely was a better place with him in it.

[@seanpark7709]

Fantastic story! God Bless Bill Walton. The world has lost one hell of a cool dude.

[@randylueck7584]

May 27th, What a great story, thanks for sharing. I loved Bill Walton, shine the light, Bill was the light.

[@adam_sweeney]

RIP Bill Walton!!

[@73challenger5031]

Rich just brought tears to my eyes and a whole lot of respect! Lifelong Portland Tral Blazer fan since day one in 1970 and watched Bill as a college player and wouldn't you know, the Blazers had the first pick in the draft in 74 and picked Bill. He was injured a lot in those first couple of years but, then came the ABA dispersal and Portland got Maurice Lucas and then hired Jack Ramsey as coach and a year later, we were the Champions of the NBA!!! I saw Walton vs. Kareem twice that year, live in the Memorial Colosseum! I visited my wife in the hospital today and wore my retro 77, #32 Walton jersey there and put a smile on a lot of faces. Bill is an Oregon treasure!!!

[@casablanca2745]

Bill broke the mold. The joy he played with and lived his life is an example to all. RIP big guy. This Celtic fan will be forever Grateful!!!

[@smithyamiami]

Great story, Rich. Bill was a legend.

[@markmcintyre4050]

What a wonderful spirit and soul , if only I could be one tenth of the man he was ! ❤

[@davidt4688]

Shoreline .shook my hand..and he said..."the boys are gonna burn it up tonight"...thx you bill

[@racer111259]

Walton was 'the light'..... for sure... definitely

[@hokiex9]

Story is everything I wanted it to be. What a gem of a man!

[@ecrecords615]

being a sports fanatic and massive deadhead, Bill was always this magical figure that somehow seemed to tie the whole world together. his passion for competition and love for the otherworldly was inspiring. Be the light shine the light is definitely straight out of some Garcia/Hunter Grateful Dead lyricism!

[@iamwhoiam7482]

NFA✌🏻⚡️ you described it perfectly for sports fans and Dead heads!

[@BillBraz-b9o]

Bill was a funny guy. He is now with coach wooden. Thanks for sharing this Rich.

[@djnkosi]

Thank you Rich. RIP Bill Walton 🥺💔🙏🏽

[@rolmodel12.]

You did 'em proud, Rich 💚 great job 🥲

[@michaelrice5341]

What a great tribute to a great guy.

[@patrickdaniels8942]

Rich Eisen at his best!! what a great story!

[@kenmericle409]

What a great story...

[@lagodifuoco313]

His words will live on forever in the minds of many of us. "Throw it down big man!!! Throw it down!!!" Immortal.

[@Stevesautopartsify]

Absolutely epic story about a man whose life was filled with epic stories!!

[@georgieboy_htown4eva4eva]

Great tribute and story Rich, 🥹 god bless you and RIP Bill Walton 🙏🏻

[@williamoleary9330]

Bill was such a beautiful human being. We loved listening to him and laughing with him. They need cure cancer because we’ve lost way to many people to this freakin disease

[@ThreeChordGuitar]

Damn you, Rich Eisen, now I'm having a few tears listening to you. BIll Walton was a giant among men, and not just in physical size.

[@mrlaw711]

Awesome Rich for you to share the ladder and windshield story. Bill was a very special man.

[@n8doggy733]

thanks for sharing Rich! Bill is out there in the cosmos ❤

[@thunderingthelightning]

Rich stories are the best.

[@JoelGraves]

Such a great story and amazing encapsulation of who Bill Walton was! Such a legend.

[@WhiteyThePooh]

You guys are awesome…I love what Brockman said towards the end ..The world’s a little less great today..Rest in Peace big fella

[@markwatson8051]

EXCELLENT STORY RICH! EXCELLENT. R.I.P. BILL WALTON - AN EXAMPLE OF POSITVE PERSPECTIVE FOR US ALL!

[@samueloro7871]

Man he was such a great dude RIP Bill Walton🙏

[@Axechucker]

I hope Bill met Jim Harbaugh at some point, somewhere. Could you imagine the blinding level of positivity in that room?

[@MetFanJay21]

Touching tribute sir. Nicely done. RIP Bill. The fact that you're now home with the Lord... is still HORRRRRRRIBLE. 😇😥👏🏻

[@StrongMen6]

That was such a life affirming story Rich. Thank you.

[@glennschlegel7160]

Bill Walton made we want to watch basketball 🏀....throw it down, Big Man....throw it down!! RIP sir 💔

[@mattgoldberg4335]

Oh, man. Well done, Rich. I didn't realize how much I loved and respected Bill Walton as I always rooted against him (I rooted against the UCLA dynasty) his Blazeres defeated my 76ers of Doc, McGinnis, Collins, Free, Dawkins and company, and he even became a dreaded Celt. But what a great human being he was -- his humanity shined through.

[@Chipboykins]

Great tribute

[@carolrousseau3629]

'77 lived in Portland and got to meet Bill. So proud.

[@mattalyea9383]

"Shine the Light...Be the Light" - just pure greatness.

[@patrickmoreau7592]

Rest In Peace Bill You were a great guy

[@marksieber4626]

Best memorial speech ever.

[@drbobperkins]

Rich hit it out of the park. Bill is the greatest!

[@Twin_Hook]

Great tribute, Rich! Thank you!

[@jamisonflynn8759]

Absolutely beautiful

[@Dana-wq5tp]

Almost unimaginable to think how wonderful this planet and everyone on it would be if we all had a heart as big as Bill Walton. A lot people bemoan the idea of an athlete being a role model but I would be proud to have a child that looked up to Bill and aspired to be just like him.

[@wishingb5859]

Rich Eisen, I have always enjoyed listening to you but today, with this story, you stole my heart. "Would you hold it near as it were your own?" is a question of values and you dear sir have valued the right things and the right things are not things unless those special things point back to a memory of someone special.

[@pickles_mcgickle6583]

I’m a big blazers fan, but that’s not the only reason bill walton is one of my fav ppl ever. He seemed to be a great guy, with love in his heart, and was my favorite pac 12 basketball announcer later in his career too. Absolute legend. Rip

[@obiwan21]

That's a great story. And he was such a fantastic player, commentator and man.

[@kennybegeske8824]

RIP Bill Walton

[@timpickford1480]

As a young fan I hated Bill's UCLA teams. Listening to him call games made me a fan of him as a person. Unapologetically unique. A lover of the game and the people in the game. RIP Bill Walton...the world is a lesser place today.

[@dianej1714]

Outstanding memory for you, Rich. ❤

[@gloriacash8082]

My sincere condolences to Bill's family and friends. RIP Bill. 🙏🙏🙏