Archives for July 2002

‘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).’

‘Robinson, 32, had a chance to return to the Titans, but the offer came with no promises about playing time. So he opted to sign with the Bills, where he stands to see the field a lot more.’

‘"She said her first words were ‘I hate Miami [Dolphins],’" her husband said.’

Tickets for the team’s two Monday evening practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp have been SOLD OUT. 1,000 tickets remain for the scrimmage with the Browns.

The Saints’ search for a backup running back is ongoing but could end this week with the possible signing of Terry Allen. The club continues to try and work a deal for Buffalo’s Shawn Bryson, but the sides are far apart in compensation. The Bills want a third-round draft pick. The Saints gained some leverage when the Eagles, who were also interested in Bryson, signed Dorsey Levens.

‘This is a guy who refuses to wear the Super Bowl ring he won with the St. Louis Rams in 1999.’

‘He never got the big retirement ceremony. But he deserves to go on the Wall of Fame some day.’