Taking a few moments away from sports, I’d like to pay respect to not only an iconic American journalist, but a true family man who followed his passion from working-class beginnings in Buffalo, New York.

Tim Russert, 58, passed away this afternoon.

His success represented a platform we all strive to reach: our dreams. Russert grew up in a working-class family; his father worked two jobs to pay the bills. Those values transcribed into his own life, as Brian Williams described him as a “capital J” journalist.

Russert chronicled the journey throughout his childhood in, “Big Russ and Me” — one of my all-time favorites.

What really struck me was his close-knit relationship with his family — in particular his son, Luke. On MSNBC this afternoon, Williams reiterated Russert’s family passion, telling stories how Luke and Tim constantly text messaged each other all day discussing their love for sports, politics or whatever intrigued their minds. It’s such close relationship that I’m proud to have with my own father — sans the politics interest — and greatly cherish every day. Tim’s grounded values best describes his good character and family-oriented upbringing.

Tim filled his book with engaging stories about his childhood, as he grew up striving to accomplish his dreams. It’s a must read for those interested in a true hard-working, family-loving guy.