Archives for January 2005

‘Chad Kelly’s bid to once again become an NFL Punt, Pass and Kick champion came up just shy. Kelly, the nephew of former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, was trying to duplicate his feat from last year prior to Saturday’s AFC Divisional Playoff Game in Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field.’

‘A trade can’t be completed until March 2.’

‘Henry, 26, has a mental list of teams he would be willing to play for, and the Dolphins are atop that list, according to an NFL source. Henry is from Frostproof, Fla., likes the idea of playing on grass, and enjoys playing in warm weather, the source said.’

‘Every June, McNally, a member of the Kenmore West Athletic Hall of Fame, meets with all of his old Kenmore friends, spends an entire weekend with a golf tournament and a Friday breakfast at the Plaka Restaurant (formerly Watson’s) on Delaware Avenue.’

‘I just don’t get it.’

‘Vinny Cirrincione, a rookie af2 kicker with the Albany Conquest in 2004, worked out with the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park on Tuesday. Cirrincione was evaluated in both kickoffs and field goals, converting 11-of-12 field goals that ranged in distance from 33 to 53-yards. His agent Jeff Courtney indicated that he put himself in a good position for the future. "They (Buffalo Bills) said he has a strong leg and that he is someone who could end up there in the future," said Courtney.’

‘You look at New England’s defense and you ask yourself how are the Patriots getting it done? How do they keep winning despite all the injuries in the secondary? I know it doesn’t look good for the Patriots on paper, but those guys just find a way.’

‘A second round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2001, Henry had over 1,400 yards and went to the Pro Bowl in 2002, and ran for more than 1,300 yards with a hairline fracture in his leg in 2003.’

‘Bills running back Willis McGahee has earned Pro Football Weekly’s Comeback Player of the Year award as voted on by the Pro Football Writers of America. He beat Carolina’s Mark Fields by one vote.’

‘"He loves to punt and Brian Moorman is his idol," said his father Kevin. "Kids just love to kick the ball."’

‘Engelhard declined comment on whether Henry would continue playing for Buffalo if a trade couldn’t be completed. He said the team has not set a deadline and has not indicated what it would seek in compensation. ”We’re not expecting them to give him away, but at the same time, we just want to make this a win-win for all parties concerned,” Engelhard said.’

‘"I think there’s definitely interest from several teams," Engelhard said. "Here’s a guy who has twice rushed for 1,000 yards, is only 26 years old and is a proven commodity. We intend to have further dialogue with some teams over the next few weeks."’

‘Next month, the Bills are sponsoring the VI state wrestling qualifiers at the Buffalo Bills Field House, located adjacent to Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park. Here’s yet another opportunity the Bills are affording the youths of this community and we certainly appreciate their sponsorship.’

‘Chad Kelly, the son of Jim Kelly’s brother Kevin, is making his second straight visit to the NFL’s Pepsi PP&K finals, which will be held Saturday in Pittsburgh before the Steelers’ playoff game against the New York Jets. Western New York could be hearing the name "Kelly" for a few more years.’

‘What does the city of Buffalo mean to you? For me, it’s pretty much where I grew up. I grew up in Pennsylvania, around Pittsburgh, and I’m blue collar. I’ve had to work for everything I’ve ever had. [Buffalo] gets a bad rap with the cold weather, but I’ve made this my home for life.’