Mark Lane exemplified the finest qualities among us. When he departed on Sunday morning, the sentiment throughout the sports media industry, in which he had been deeply involved for the past decade, remained consistent: Mark was a diligent individual, he was generous, he was kind, and, above all, he was uproariously funny.
His dedication to his craft was never more evident than in the past two years. Even as the Houston Texans dwindled into insignificance in the NFL and Mark faced numerous health challenges, both his own and those of his mother whom he cared for in Arkansas, he never ceased working. Mark even went to the extent of bringing additional oxygen to Indianapolis last spring to ensure that Texans fans received the highest quality coverage.
Mark was unwavering in his pursuit.
The tale of Mark is also beautifully illustrated by those he collaborated with. His magnanimity and kindness knew no bounds when it came to his colleagues. He was constantly providing opportunities to those seeking to enter the field or take on new responsibilities. In an environment where many would seek to monopolize interviews, articles, and ideas, Mark went against the grain. Whether it was delegating interviews with notable figures like Andre Johnson or J.J. Watt, or simply offering fresh opportunities to aspiring writers, there was an undeniable joy and purpose in his consistent support of others. It should come as no surprise that several current members of the Houston beat had worked with Mark at some point.
His virtue was evident to all.
A gentle soul who never uttered a curse word or touched alcohol, Mark also never complained about the hand he was dealt. He valiantly fought battles throughout his entire life, from conquering childhood cancer to dealing with the lasting effects in the years that followed. His lighthearted nature brought laughter and solace to those fortunate enough to know him well.
The NFL Wires community suffered a significant loss this weekend. There are countless stories and endless sentiments about a person who was impossible to criticize. Today, the NFL Wires are taking a moment to pray for Mark’s family and share some of the most memorable reflections from those who had the privilege of knowing Mark:
– By: John Crumpler, Texans Wire
The epitome of one @therealmarklane.
Navigating through a crowd of reporters to pose questions and conduct interviews while relying on an oxygen tank.
We had lunch together, and I asked him why he went to such lengths.
“Someone has to be here, right?”
It was the proudest moment of our friendship. https://t.co/Pw0QPW4Okd
– Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) February 18, 2024
Absolutely devastated to hear about @therealmarklane’s passing. He was an exceptional journalist and one of the most hardworking individuals I have ever encountered. I have missed working with him and his sense of humor, and I am completely shattered knowing that I will never have the opportunity to speak with him again.
– Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) February 18, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Lane several years ago when he attended a league meeting in Arizona. He was unfamiliar with anyone there, so I took it upon myself to introduce him to as many people as possible. Mark was a sports reporter who focused on the NFL and was based in Arkansas. Despite facing health issues, he was an incredibly hardworking individual. Rest in peace, Mark Lane.
Mark Lane was a journalist who covered the Texans and the NFL for our Wire network, and we were extremely fortunate to have him on our team. He was not only brilliant and funny, but also exceptionally dedicated to his work, even in the face of health challenges that would have deterred many others. Some people are simply driven to succeed.
The loss of Mark Lane has left us devastated. He was one of the most diligent individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and he did an exceptional job as the editor of Texans Wire. In addition to his professional qualities, he had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor, which was evident in our Slack chats. He was always eager to learn and improve, while also being willing to lend a helping hand.
Working with Mark Lane at the NFL Wires was an absolute honor and pleasure. He was an incredible person and one of the hardest workers you could ever come across. We have truly lost a remarkable individual, and he will be deeply missed.
Mark Lane, also known as @therealmarklane, was one of the kindest and gentlest souls I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He had an exceptional talent for statistics and could find the most unexpected yet relevant connections. Despite facing numerous challenges in life, including childhood cancer, Mark fought relentlessly to stay alive long enough to receive a lung transplant. Rest in peace, Mark.
Mark would meticulously analyze pages of statistics and uncover the most obscure yet strangely meaningful correlations. I distinctly remember one instance where he highlighted that Dak Prescott had been behind by 8+ points at home on five occasions in his career, and the Cowboys had won three of those games when they received the ball first in the second half.
Throughout my more than two decades in this industry, I have never encountered anyone quite like Mark Lane, also known as @therealmarklane. He was not only one of the funniest individuals I have ever met, but also one of the hardest-working and most unique. Farewell, my friend. Rest in peace.
Words cannot express how much @therealmarklane assisted me over the years. I owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Mark was an extraordinary person and a dear friend. I will miss him tremendously.
The passing of @therealmarklane has left me devastated. In my eyes, he was like a brother. His work ethic was unparalleled, as demonstrated by his commitment to covering last year’s combine while using an oxygen tank. I often had to insist that he take breaks and rest.
I don’t have enough words today.
Mark Lane took a chance on a rising college senior and became like a big brother to me over the past 5 years.
There were few who worked harder or consistently displayed prayer and kindness the way he did.
You will be missed, partner. pic.twitter.com/ubZXLzTuFc
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) February 18, 2024
Today, you will hear sentiments about the kind of man @therealmarklane was.
Let me show you what we mean.
He led with kindness. He always strived to create opportunities for others. He encouraged us to be the best version of ourselves. He taught me how to dive into covering… pic.twitter.com/LUVNSVJbP0
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) February 18, 2024
Devastated to hear about the passing of @therealmarklane. He was an incredible colleague and friend. A brilliant mind, who worked extremely hard to provide for his family. I’ll miss sharing a meal whenever we crossed paths. I’ll miss the random NFL facts he’d text me on a…
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) February 18, 2024
RIP Mark Lane
Tragic news.
Our guy passed away last night. I was just thinking that I hadn’t interacted with him in a while on Wednesday, now he’s gone.
— KD Drummond (@KDDrummondNFL) February 18, 2024
In all the time that I’ve been doing this, I’ve never come across ANYONE who worked as hard and as humbly as @therealmarklane.
Mark was driven, passionate, kind, gracious, and selfless.
There will never be another Mark Lane. May he rest in peace. Prayers for the Lane family. https://t.co/r7dXZFMMjh
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) February 18, 2024
You will never find someone around here who worked as hard and as passionately as @therealmarklane.
He had a talent for all of this that he shared with us all. We will miss him greatly.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/R8H9EzOSjZ
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) February 18, 2024
Life is tough, man.
I just heard about the passing of Mark Lane. I had the opportunity to meet him virtually on a few occasions for some random #Jets, #Texans cross-over stories over the past few years.
Please pray for his family. He was one of the good guys, always had fun football… pic.twitter.com/yysxKCjLp8
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 18, 2024
I worked closely with Mark Lane during my time covering the @dallascowboys. We called ourselves the School of Fish while working under @fishsports. We bonded over our love for football, as well as the medical issues we both struggled with. Such a professional, kind-hearted man. You… https://t.co/tGGj1iYA7g
— Jordan Ross (@TheJordanRoss) February 18, 2024
Sad to hear about Mark Lane. Good guy.
— Dan Ruppert (@Dan_Ruppert) February 18, 2024
I’m pretty devastated to hear about the passing of Mark Lane. He was always polite and professional whenever we had him on the air to talk Cowboys/NFL with @1440KEYSAM
You’ll be missed, Mark. Stay strong.
— James Espinosa 🎙️ (@SirEdwardJames) February 18, 2024
Diligent worker. Never sought sympathy from others. Simply dedicated himself to hard work in every circumstance. Sending all my love to his loved ones. https://t.co/E2X4DhBHrQ
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) February 18, 2024
Heartbreaking news. Mark was one of the most industrious individuals I ever encountered. He put in immense effort and used his own resources to attend any and every event possible. He had a genuine passion for storytelling. You won’t find a kinder person.
Rest in peace @therealmarklane. https://t.co/sBFHokcN65
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) February 18, 2024
Mark was the initial journalist outside of Baltimore on my podcast. I usually spend a few moments conversing with my guests before we record and something felt off. I asked him if everything was alright and he informed me that he was currently in the hospital with his mother and she wasn’t doing… https://t.co/JhbEtwGwnG
— Samuel Njoku (@RavensTalkPod) February 18, 2024
Please send a prayer for the family of @therealmarklane. He passed away this morning… He was one of the finest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing… @TheTexansWire family is also grieving the loss of our editor…
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) February 18, 2024
Devastated by the passing of @therealmarklane, someone I considered a true brother.
You’ll hear a lot about his strong work ethic — unparalleled, evident by working last year’s combine with an oxygen tank to the point I often had to insist he sit down and take a…
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) February 18, 2024
Heartbreaking news. Mark was one of the most industrious individuals I ever encountered. He put in immense effort and used his own resources to attend any and every event possible. He had a genuine passion for storytelling. You won’t find a kinder person.
Rest in peace @therealmarklane. https://t.co/sBFHokcN65
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) February 18, 2024
When I was starting as a Cowboys blogger, @therealmarklane was the first person in the community I ever met. He was so encouraging. Such a beautiful soul. RIP.
— Tom Ryle, disillusioned Cowboys fan (@TomRyleBTB) February 18, 2024
Thank you, @goldmctNFL, for introducing me to @therealmarklane years ago. He displayed an unmatched passion for this industry and was always willing to assist others. https://t.co/7jRjGMgYeQ
— Ed Easton Jr. (@EdEastonJr) February 18, 2024
Aw man… this one hurts. I never met @therealmarklane in person but we connected on here & he was such a genuine person
During the pandemic when I was as down in the dumps as I’ve ever been he reached out to encourage me & even offered financial help
The world lost a good one https://t.co/JZNqxUqk7F
— ‘Big’ Jim N. (@BigJimSports) February 18, 2024
Cowboys Nation and the entire NFL world lost a great one. @therealmarklane was one of the funniest, most knowledgeable individuals I’ve come across and had the privilege of working with in this industry.
He will be truly missed. My condolences go to him and his family. RIP. https://t.co/jZS6USwCcP
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) February 18, 2024
I had the privilege of learning a great deal from @therealmarklane. He provided me with an opportunity and imparted valuable knowledge. Your absence will be felt.
— Chris Nalls (@TheChrisNalls) February 18, 2024
To the #Texans community, Mark held a deep affection for all of you. He was a dedicated individual who consistently strived to deliver the finest content possible.
He injected a new level of intrigue into Houston football. Let us send our thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.
They’re reunited now, Mark.
Rest in peace. https://t.co/HkE5rLOCxk
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) February 18, 2024
Today, we mourn the loss of a truly special individual in @therealmarklane. Despite his illness, he worked tirelessly because that was his nature. Diligent, intelligent, inquisitive, and unwaveringly supportive of everyone. I was honored to pass the torch of @TheTexansWire to Mark, and he elevated it. Rest in peace 🙏
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) February 18, 2024
Mark was an extraordinary individual. He poured his heart and soul into his work and treated everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of who they were.
This news is devastating. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues. https://t.co/2kCku11wUe
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) February 18, 2024
While I didn’t have the opportunity to know Mark well, our in-person meeting was absolutely delightful. Health challenges are like a cruel lottery, and all we can do is offer support and make the journey as loving and comfortable as possible for others. My deepest condolences to his loved ones ❤️🙏🏻 https://t.co/bKAmob3S2S
— Stephanie Stradley (@StephStradley) February 18, 2024
Our hearts are heavy, both for me and my colleagues at the NFL Wire. We lost @therealmarklane far too soon.
He was an incredible person. I know I will miss him immensely.
Rest in peace, Mark.
— Jess Root (@senorjessroot) February 18, 2024
Sending my deepest condolences to the family of Mark Lane @therealmarklane, a remarkable individual who left us too soon. Mark exhibited unwavering dedication to covering the #NFL, particularly the #Texans. I saw him at the scouting combine, battling every day, even with an oxygen tank by his side, still working… https://t.co/cbU0LNjC6w
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 18, 2024
A truly great friend! Always there for anyone! He provided invaluable coverage to all media outlets and was always willing to share his work! Rest in peace, my friend! 🙏🏼 @therealmarklane
— EA (@easportsdfw) February 18, 2024
I reached out to Mark to appear on my YouTube channel when I only had 1k subscribers. We never recorded, but instead, he spent 30 minutes giving me advice on content creation and then apologized for taking up my time. He exemplified the kindness that Mark always carried with him. I will forever be grateful for those…
— Harley Dugan (@TheLead_HOU) February 18, 2024
I’m saddened to hear of @therealmarklane’s passing this morning. I’ve known Mark since our days at Rogers State. Even then, he demonstrated his strong work ethic, juggling classes, work, hosting a radio show, and producing his Cowboys recaps on YouTube.
— Steve Braun (@1stevebraun) February 18, 2024
A few years ago, whenever Mark would come to visit, we would spend a lot of time just chatting casually. After I finished work, I would annoy him with endless conversations about the Cowboys.
Crump eventually joined in on the fun. He would call me every time he was driving back for another 90-minute conversation.
I really miss my friend. [Twitter link]
Even though it may have finally emerged victorious, you were never truly defeated. Rest peacefully, my brother. Broken heart dove
Goodbye for now. Disappointed face [Twitter link]
According to the Source touchdownwire.usatoday.com