Archives for August 9, 2009

‘Smith had an NFL-record 200 sacks over a 19-year career and was a two-time NFL defensive player of the year. He was the No. 1 draft pick out of Virginia Tech, and part of a speedy Bills defense that helped the team win four consecutive AFC titles in the early 1990s.’

‘”I have come full circle,” Smith said. “By the grace of God I stand before you today. This induction into the Hall of Fame marks my passage into football’s immortality.”‘

‘He drew chuckles when he said that he always loved the game of football without ever playing the game. “I was a tennis player,” he said. “In tennis you can throw the ball up and take your backswing without worrying about Bruce Smith coming at you,” Wilson joked.’

‘Drawing a loud cheer from a crowd full of Bills fans, Wilson was honored to be inducted. He then discussed his lifelong passion for football, which led the Detroit-based businessman to found the Bills.’

‘"I think if you look at our first preseason game last year versus this year, they are entirely different," quarterback Trent Edwards said. "We have some new players in here, we are on a national stage, we are the only people playing and we have our owner and a great defensive end going into the Hall of Fame that played for the Bills. I think guys will be ready. I think guys will be a little more anxious and excited about it. I know I will be."’

‘Backup QBs Ryan Fitzpatrick and Gibran Hamdan should take the bulk of the snaps for Buffalo in the contest.’

‘The game will be part of a distinctly Buffalo-flavored weekend, played a day after Wilson and former Bills defensive end Bruce Smith were inducted into the Hall. It’s a game between two original American Football League franchises, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the league’s founding. The Titans, who relocated from Houston, will wear throwback Oilers uniforms.’

‘Here’s hoping the Bills’ only owner, who has long deserved a place in Canton, doesn’t talk about the failing economy and declining population in Western New York or the have-and-have-not league the NFL has become.’