Archives for July 22, 2002

Map to training camp parking lots.

#4. I think Drew Bledsoe will be reborn in Buffalo. You know how much fun it’ll be for him to launch the deep ball to Peerless Price and Eric Moulds? He didn’t have that in New England after Terry Glenn imploded.

Jim Kelly can still lead a comeback. The former Buffalo Bills quarterback, retired for five years, sparked a 23-point third quarter as the Buffalo Bills All-Stars beat the N-F-L All-Stars 42-34 tonight in an exhibition flag football game.

Five years from retirement and two weeks from becoming the fourth member of the Buffalo Bills organization to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jim Kelly showed his arm still has what it takes to lead the Bills to an exciting win over long-time rival Dan Marino.

Autograph session photos of Jim Kelly, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Kenny Davis, Mark Kelso, Andre Reed & Jim Ritcher and more.

Six photos from flag football game.

‘Gilbride envisions a balanced offense that takes advantage of the players’ strengths. He also wants to use various formations and personnel groups to keep defenses guessing.’

‘"Even though Dan and me were competitors on the football field, when he comes up here, people realize what he’s all about."’

‘"I thought about the things every dad thinks about, about going in the backyard and being able to toss a football around, or a baseball, or going camping, doing all the things fathers do with their sons," Kelly said. "We can’t do that but, through him, we’re going to help other people. We know we’re on the right path."’

‘"I’m telling you, since I retired, the only exercise I’ve had is this motion right here," Thomas said, lifting his hand to his mouth to signal drinking. "I’m even out of shape for an autograph session. There’s no way I’m in shape for a game."’

‘That’s because the "McGillicuddy boys," as they’re called by Bills officials, serve as official team statisticians and historians for all of the home games.’

‘…and you can bet the Dec. 8 date at Foxboro has already been circled on Bledsoe’s calendar. I want the best seat in the house for this game.’

‘"Yeah, we had some plays," Clayton said. "We’d draw them up in the grass. Dan’d sit there and say, What can you do?’ and What can you do?’"’

‘…and William "The Refrigerator" Perry, who’s nickname is now, at best, an understatement. (Perry’s jersey was cut halfway up each side so it would fit.)’

‘A number of Bills came up limping, including Don Beebe (knee), Steve Tasker (groin), Fred Smerlas (hamstring), and Tim Vogler (broken nose).’