Archives for February 2006

‘The ninth annual Hunter’s Day of Hope for Children – and the first since the death of Hunter Kelly last August – will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse in Orchard Park.’

‘The proof is in his contract to be the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Jauron confirmed he has nothing in his contract about having control of the 53-man roster. He expects to have as much control of it as he wants, but he also expects to work closely with General Manager Marv Levy on all football decisions. “I didn’t specify anything about the roster [in the contract],” Jauron said. “I didn’t feel like it was necessary.”‘

‘Wire enjoys speaking to different groups, not just athletes and feels that it is part of his responsibility as a professional athlete. "I take it as an honor," Wire said. "I realize that in today’s society, athletes are looked upon with such high esteem, especially by young kids. And everything I say and everything I do, someone could be watching and I could affect someone’s life. I want to take advantage of the gift that I have been given and the blessing to be able to play this sport and use that to help inspire others or give others hope. I know I have had a lot of help along the way. I haven’t done anything on my own, I would be silly to say that."’

‘Moorman, the former Pittsburg State University All-American playing in his first Pro Bowl, took fourth in the obstacle course competition at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge, taking a shortcut in the course that eliminated a heavy obstacle. Moorman, punter for the Buffalo Bills, officially finished fourth in the obstacle course competition after he was assessed a 5-second penalty for skipping the blocking sled, one of nine stations in the race that tests a player’s speed, strength and agility.’

‘"Going on a vacation and going on a nice vacation is always fun but going on a vacation that you’re not paying a dime for is the most fun of all," said Schwartz. "I’m taking a good friend of mine. There is no buyer’s remorse over here."’

‘Don’t be surprised if the Bills go big on the first day of the upcoming draft. While offensive line is their most pressing need, unless D’Brickashaw Ferguson miraculously falls to them or they reach for Winston Justice with the eighth pick the Bills will likely select a defensive player in the first round and hope a quality offensive lineman like Eric Winston, or Max Jean-Gilles remains on the board when they pick in the second round, 40th overall. Many mock drafts show Buffalo targeting defensive tackle Haloti Ngata with their first pick, and the 6-5, 338 pound former Oregon Duck would certainly fill the hole in Buffalo’s defense left by the departure of Pat Williams following the 2004 season. The Bills could also look at an edge rusher like Mario Williams or Mathias Kiwanuka, but their biggest needs remain inside.’

‘Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman will take part in the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge in Hawaii this week. Moorman will compete in the ‘Fastest Man’ competition and the ‘Open Field/Obstacle Course’ event.’

‘London Fletcher and Terrence McGee are neck-and-neck while Brian Moorman and Eric Moulds will need a strong finish from voters to catch the front-runners.’

‘The changes come after the recent appointment of Russ Brandon as executive vice president of business operations, the hiring of Marv Levy as general manager and vice president of football operations and the promotion of Jim Overdorf to vice president of football administration.’

‘The restructuring includes a redefinition of job roles for several other staff members.’

‘But no matter what Ed Kilgore and Paul Peck say about the difference this year’s draft picks might make, we all fail to see who is really pulling the strings. The real puppet master is the old man in the owner’s box, Ralph Wilson. That’s right. Ralph may look like an infirmed geriatric, but that’s just what he wants you to think. Nobody seems to feel they can blame the old guy. It’s always Tom Donahue’s, Mike Mularkey’s or Losman’s fault. And it’s nothing new. In years past, Rob Johnson and Greg Williams shouldered the blame. No one blames Ralph.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have restructured their Business Operations Department and promoted four employees to Vice Presidents.’

‘The moves are part of a restructuring since Bills owner Ralph Wilson split the team’s business and football operations after firing team president Tom Donahoe last month.’

‘The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has restructured its business operations department. The restructuring includes the appointment of four new Vice Presidents as well as a redefinition of job roles for several other staff members.’

‘Take Pittsburgh’s Hines Ward. By the time he retires, Ward will have receiving stats comparable to Reed’s. Now, he’ll also have a Super Bowl MVP award. Ward is also one of the best blocking receivers in the game. Some day, given a choice, I’m afraid a lot of voters will favor Ward over Reed.’