Archives for May 2005

‘The Buffalo Bills will recognize their heroes from the past with the Celebration of Champions Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Reebok, a four-day event at Ralph Wilson Stadium beginning Thursday, June 2nd and lasting through Sunday, June 5th.’

‘The Buffalo Bills, who called Grogan this week, may extend an offer in two weeks.’

‘The Buffalo Bills will hold a four-day party at Ralph Wilson Stadium next month to honor two of their greatest teams, and they will unveil a new third jersey as part of the celebration.’

‘The Bills will be part of the Packers’ wildly popular “Family Night” at Lambeau in which an average of 51,444 fans have watched the team’s intra-squad scrimmage since 1999. This is the first time an opposing team will take part. The event is televised throughout the state of Wisconsin.’

‘Sure, leading the Buffalo Bills to a record four straight Super Bowls (all losses) from 1991-94 while riding a shotgun offence led by quarterback Jim Kelly, running-back Thurman Thomas and wide-receiver Andre Reed was a factor in Levy’s induction as a coach. But the five years he spent as head coach of the Alouettes from 1973-77 were important as well.’

‘"Scrimmaging is good for our team because it increases the speed of the game and gives our players a chance to perform in game-type situations,” Mularkey said in a statement. “We welcome the competition that the scrimmage brings and are excited to be playing in Lambeau field because of its history and mystique."’

‘This marks the fifth consecutive year the Bills have scrimmaged against another team during training camp.’

‘The event will be televised in Green Bay on WLUK-TV Fox 11, as well as throughout the state of Wisconsin on associated stations.’

‘"Also, I feel going against different colored jerseys would make for an even more competitive camp. And with the youth we have at some positions, it provides us with another game-like experience, in addition to our four preseason contests."’

‘"We’re thrilled to be able to host Buffalo in Green Bay during training camp and to have them be a part of ‘Family Night,’ " said Packers Executive Vice President/COO John Jones. "We are proud of what ‘Family Night’ has become for Packers fans and families from around the state. We anticipate this year to be even more exciting with the addition of the Bills. It will be a great way for our younger fans to take in a game-like night in Lambeau Field."’

‘Buffalo held similar scrimmages with Cleveland for the past four years, but the Browns backed out this year because rookie coach Romeo Crennel wanted more time to work with his team. This is the first time since 1991 that the Packers have hosted a team in training camp.’

‘In a statement Mike Mularkey said, " We are very excited about the opportunity to scrimmage Green Bay during training camp. "Scrimmaging is good for our team because it increases the speed of the game and gives our players a chance to perform in game-type situations. We welcome the competition that the scrimmage brings and are excited to be playing in Lambeau field because of its history and mystique."’

‘"There are a lot of Bills fans down here in the Orlando area," said Thomas. "Last year I went to a couple of gatherings where the fans watch the games. I’ve had so much support ever since I retired from the Buffalo Bills. That’s why I’ve always said if you ever cut me open I’ll bleed red, white and blue and that will never change."’

‘The Buffalo Bills Wednesday announced that the team will travel to Green Bay during training camp to take part in a scrimmage at Lambeau Field on Friday night, August 5. In addition to the scrimmage, the Bills will practice against the Packers twice: once on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 4, and once on Friday morning, Aug. 5.’

‘If you get Henry in here now and get him acclimated, what is the downside? None. If the T.O. thing plays out until August sometime, you (and you quarterback) can sleep at night knowing you have strategic options. If the T.O. thing plays out until mid-November – when Owens would have to report in order to get credit for a year of NFL service – you can win games in the meantime by dusting off the old playbooks.’