Archives for July 2005

‘Because it’s only mid-July and training camp has yet to begin, it wouldn’t make much sense to start speculating which unheralded rookies have a legitimate chance of making the team. It’s simply too early for that. However, we can look back at how some players have found a way to stick around against the odds, and see if that bodes well for any of the current young guns.’

‘An interesting story involving the logo is also a part of Buffalo Bills history. During the early years of the franchise the jersey number 31 was never worn by a player in a regular season game. The unofficial “legend” among long-time fans was that the number was not issued because it was reserved for the official team logo. The tradition was broken in 1969 when reserve running back Preston Ridlehuber was issued number 31 for one game while his normal number 36 jersey was repaired by equipment manager Tony Marchitte. The number 31 was not issued again until 1990 when first round draft choice James (JD) Williams wore it for the entire season.’

‘An athlete may not be on the injured list, but it’s 100 percent evident that something is wrong with their physical condition. For the past few years that can be said for Bills wide receiver Eric Moulds. He didn’t suffer any serious tear, but the severity of a groin, back, and eclipsing the age of 30 all at the same time caused Moulds stats to slump.’

‘The 55-year-old Hill had pleaded guilty in Nov. 2004 to mail fraud and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors alleged Hill collected disability payments while making a "significant income" from a job.’

‘J.D. Hill played for the Buffalo Bills from 1971-75. His son Khalil Hill was a wide receiver at the University of Iowa, while his other son, Hakim, is currently playing in the Canadian Football League.’

‘"Lawyer’s been here as much as anybody," head coach Mike Mularkey said. "He has been a tremendous leader in the offseason drills. … I think he’s set some personal goals that hopefully will help our team out. It’s been evident that he’s been on a mission."’

‘My experience in Buffalo for the six weeks I was there was incredible. I had the opportunity to play in quite a few golf tournaments and I met a lot of the fans and people who support the Bills’ organization and they are some of the most genuine people who would bend over backward to help you out. As far as the adjustment from San Diego, I know the weather is a lot different from what I am used to, but then again I went to school in Illinois. I have seen the snowfall and I think that will be advantageous to me, but probably not in the quantity that we will get in Buffalo. That is just a state of mind and you tell yourself that you are warm and try to trick yourself. I don’t know. If you ask me that question in December or January, I’ll have a different answer for you.’

‘Tickets for the Aug. 15 and Aug. 22 night practices will be available starting Aug. 1.’

‘The tickets are free, but orders are subject to a $1.75 print-at-home fee if ordering on the Web.’

‘The Seahawks were one of several teams that talked to the Bills about a trade for Henry before the draft in April. At that point, the Seahawks were trying to see what they could get in a trade involving Alexander. But no trade materialized, as teams with the biggest need for a premier running back picked them in what was a rich draft for that position.’

‘On the 20th, you can get your free tickets for the July 30th practice. On August 1st, you be able to get your tickets for either the August 15th or 22nd practice.’

‘"I’m still making it," Vincent said. "It’s been a challenge, but the offseason has been good from a mental standpoint, and not being thrust into the position as I was a year ago. … I’ve had an opportunity to get in my books, learn it, and become very, very comfortable with at least the foundation of the defense and the terminology."

‘Over/Under: 8.5 [wins]

The facile schedule last season had the Bills facing six opponents who didn’t make it to seven wins. This year, they have 12 games against teams who finished with seven or more wins and their other games are versus Miami, Oakland, and Tampa Bay – all who expect to improve.’

‘The Buffalo Bills announced that tickets for the first of three night practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp at St. John Fisher College in Rochester will be available on Wednesday, July 20th.’

‘”It’s always been the same way,” said Leonhard. “There are always going to be that certain group of people that only look at your measurables and how big and fast you are. Those are the people that obviously don’t think I can make it, but I think there are a lot of people that are out there that realize that if you can play football, you can play football. I just hope there are enough of them on this coaching staff that if I go out there and do what I feel I’m capable of doing I’ll have a real chance.”‘