Archives for June 2003

Article about former KC Chiefs and Buffalo Bills lineman Art Still. “It should be a mother’s day every day, a father’s day every day, a children’s day every day or a grandparent’s day every day. If people had that type of mentality, we probably wouldn’t have as many problems that we have with the family now.”

Who are the top five cornerbacks in the NFL?" asks Richard of Miami. Also, where would I place Champ Bailey? Is he better than the Dolphins corners? My top corners last year were Ronde Barber of the Bucs, Fred Thomas of the Saints, Aaron Glenn of the Texans, Troy Vincent of the Eagles, Patrick Surtain of the Dolphins, Mario Edwards of the Cowboys and Antoine Winfield of the Bills.

‘Jonas Lewis insists he and Scottish Claymores running- back mate Ken Simonton can be legends in the NFL because they have big hearts and a massive desire to succeed…"I wanted to showcase my talent and I wanted to show that guys like myself and Ken who they say are not big enough to cut it in the NFL are wrong."’

‘The defense should not have to play eight men in the box nearly as much as last year, which means the cornerbacks can play a little more zone coverage and might get a better look at the quarterback releasing passes. That might result in more interceptions.’

‘”I think it’s almost like the calm before the storm,” said veteran fullback Sam Gash. “Everyone is really excited knowing what we can do, but you’ve got to pace yourself right now. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, to bring back an old cliche. We’ve tried to make sure the guys don’t get too excited and blow a gasket.”‘

‘Adrian Jules Ltd., a tailor in Irondequoit, is suing two former Buffalo Bills offensive linemen for more than $20,000 after the players failed to pay for custom-made clothing.’

‘"He taught me the integrity of just being a good man," Spikes says. "There are so many traits he had. I feel like I’m shortchanging him if I just say one. That’s how much respect I have for him."’

Hardly a done deal yet, but the Buffalo Bills and two-year veteran punter Brian Moorman have nudged closer to a possible contract extension agreement. Moorman is one of the top young punters in the NFL, having averaged 36.9 yards net in his career, and the Bills would like to secure his tenure with the franchise for the long-term. Moorman is likely to sacrifice his free agency year if he signs a new deal but he seems to prefer to stay in Buffalo and the two sides would like to have something completed before the start of training camp next month…..And if the restricted market is going to heat up, fueled by the Redskins’ ardor this year, some teams have considered protecting themselves by seeking longer-term deals on rookie contracts. The Buffalo Bills have already said they might attempt to negotiate four-year contracts with some of their later-round draft choices.

‘"The speed. The players are a whole lot smaller (in college) and the game is a lot faster (in the NFL). That’s the only difference for me."’

‘"We have got the ability to beat anybody in the league. The thing that is inspiring to me is to see the collective attitude that this team has right now. We are a fairly young team with some veterans mixed in. Across the board everybody is hungry, has bought into what we are doing, and is enthusiastic about what we are doing. We are working hard, practicing hard and practicing well, so even more than the talented people we have brought in, the attitude that this team has is what gives me hope."’

I want to win a Super Bowl. Pretty cut and dry. Personally, I’d like to play in the Pro Bowl, and I’d like to be considered for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. That’s one of my biggest goals right there. But like they say, it’s all about the ring.

”’We have the players to be a playoff team, and that’s what we expect,” he said. ”Anything less than a good solid playoff berth will be a great disappointment.”’

I've attached my picture, taken at the Kentucky/Tennessee border in Static, Tennessee. I chose to wear my (autographed) Jack Kemp jersey because he was the Bills quarterback when I attended my first game at War Memorial Stadium in 1964. That was the beginning of my dedication to the Bills.

‘Both Foster and Green will continue coaching this summer as part of the NFL Minority Fellowship Coaching Program. Green will join the staff of the Minnesota Vikings while Foster will work with the Buffalo Bills.’

‘“Everything will fall into place for me,” he said. “I’m not trying to rush anything. As long as the team accepts me for how I am, that’s all I have to worry about.”’