Buffalo Sports Hall of Famer creates foundation in memory of brother

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY — WNY football great Rudy Pikuzinski has created a foundation and introduced a clothing line to raise money and awareness for ALS.

The name of the effort is also a tribute to the spirit of his hometown, it’s called I bleed Buffalo, a phrase he used during his induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Rudy was the Buffalo Blizzard’s all-time leader, five-time league champion, three-time MVP and eight-time league all-star. He has scored over 500 goals in his career, but now he only has one goal in mind.

“It’s just my way of trying to do something and help fight this terrible disease.” His driving force is the memory of his brother Richie. “A woman once told me that God takes the angels first and believe me, I know he’s my brother, but people who know Richie will tell you he really was an angel.”

Richie Pikuzinski was a popular Falk School principal, remembered for his commitment to his work, his community and his family. Richie died of ALS in 2011.

Rudy says his brother embodied the principles that guided him throughout his life.

“Represent yourself for your family, who you play for, who you work for, give 100%, be proud and be proud. You know, I firmly believe in that, I believed that my whole career, you know, and all my life, until this day, I have to try to do my best in everything I can and that’s basically what it’s all about.

What he’s doing now is trying to raise money to fight ALS and raise awareness.

Rudy started a clothing line called “I bleed Buffalo” selling souvenirs and clothing that celebrates the spirit of Buffalo and supports those suffering from ALS.

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