Remembering Chris Schultz.

A good anchor, player, and person.

We all have our opinions on what makes a good sports anchor. Granted – whether you enjoy seeing their faces show up on the TV at halftime because you care about what they have to say, or because that means you can refill your snacks, we can all agree it is terribly saddening when a beloved anchor passes. Recently, we lost the cherished Chris Schultz at the age of 61 due to an unexpected heart attack on March 4, 2021.

Schultz was more than just an anchor. Prior to his time behind the desk as a football analyst, he also played in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). From 1983 to 1986, he played with the Dallas Cowboys before coming up to play with the Toronto Argonauts for nine years afterwards. He was even able to secure himself a Grey Cup win in 1991.

He was known as being the “Big Man” for many reasons throughout his life. Not only did he stand at an impressive 6’7”, but he had a personality to match his stature. From being able to make you laugh and feel at ease, to the big presence he held on The Sports Network (TSN), you always knew when he was around. His passions for his family, friends, teammates, and, of course, for football, were very noticeable, and he was known for always being willing to talk about any of them at any moment.

The passion for his work and for people did not stop with the football families or his personal relationships. Schultz also participated in work with Purolator Tackle Hunger and displayed his passion for it tirelessly. He spoke very publicly about working with this organization and what doing so meant not just to himself but also to the families in need.

Passion was something that had been used to describe Schultz for everything he did – from the work that he did on the field, the outreach work he did for food banks across Canada, and, of course, the work he did on The Sports Network. For those who are not familiar with his work, Schultz became a regular on CFL broadcasts on TSN. As well, he hosted Risky Business, made weekly NFL picks, and had the opportunity to be a part of the Grey Cup and Superbowl coverage on TSN for many years.

It was clear to many that Schultz was worthy of being placed in the Hall of Fame, and that is exactly what happened. In 2016, he was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame where his legacy will continue to live on.

Whether or not you knew the man personally, he was able to use his joy for life and the platform he was presented to touch the lives of so many individuals and to make a difference in the lives of many families. His big heart, passion for everything he did, insight into various topics, and joy for life were all infectious. If you cheered for him as a player or enjoyed listening to him on the panel, there are many impressive moments that he will be remembered for. Next time you tune in to listen to the hot takes of next season, take a moment to appreciate the life that was loved and lost.