FC Dallas Mourns Ex-Player & Announcer Bobby Rhine
FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) - A 10-year veteran of MLS between 1999 and 2008 and a fixture of the Dallas soccer scene, Bobby Rhine passed away on Monday night at the age of 35.
"Bobby Rhine's sudden passing is a true loss," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rhine family and FC Dallas organization. Bobby was a very special person whose love of the game and upbeat personality were infectious. He will be missed by the entire MLS family."
Rhine was selected in the First Round (sixth overall) in the 1999 MLS Super Draft. During his career he appeared in 212 games for Dallas, making 136 starts and playing more than 12,000 minutes. He scored 23 goals and recorded 34 assists. His goals total is good for eighth all-time in the FC Dallas record books, while his assists total ranks fourth behind Jason Kreis, Oscar Pareja and Ronnie O'Brien.
After ending his playing career following the 2008 season, he remained as a key figure with the club, making valuable contributions in both community development and broadcasting.
"The FC Dallas family is shocked and saddened by the passing of Bobby Rhine," said Clark Hunt, chairman of Hunt Sports Group, owners of FC Dallas. "From the early days at the Cotton Bowl with the Dallas Burn, through the transition to FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park, Bobby was one of the most respected and beloved figures in club history."
A memorial service for Bobby will be made once details are finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the FC Dallas Foundation.
