Archives for October 2011

‘Bills CEO Russ Brandon says the team has hired a world-leading architectural firm to conduct a thorough study of what improvements are necessary to upgrade the stadium’s existing structure and add fan-friendly, revenue-generating enhancements.’

‘The goal was to strike a deal during the bye week, but the Bills have closed their building through the weekend, essentially closing for business until next week, league sources said. So, talks will resume as soon as Monday, with a resolution possible soon thereafter.’

‘Much of the rest of the conversation is either unrepeatable in a family publication or so thick with inside jokes it’d take all day to explain. Suffice to say, they laugh the whole time. Their huddles must be a blast because these guys are hilarious. And because they are winning.’

‘When reporters talk about crying, and having Hull’s former teammates call them on the phone in tears, you know the man was something special.’

‘In the locker room in Tampa Stadium after losing to the Giants in Super Bowl 25, Hull watched as Scott Norwood, still in his uniform, patiently answered every question and blamed no one but himself. As he was about to leave, Hull went over to Norwood and told him that if everyone, including himself, had done their jobs just a little better, that field-goal attempt would’ve been from a lot closer than 47 yards. Hull then waited for Norwood to shower and dress and, finally, the two teammates walked out together, into the night.’

‘"Kent was a man among boys. He just had a calming effect on everyone," Darryl Talley said. "He was a very old soul."’

‘"He’s sitting right there ready to take over that role," Gailey said. "Whether he starts or not, I don’t know, but he’s going to get the majority of the snaps."’

‘”It still looks like it’s going to be he’ll miss a game or two, maybe, and then we’ll reevaluate at that point,” Gailey said.’

‘Steve Tasker said Thurman Thomas, who made the Hall of Fame running behind Hull, was crying so hard on the phone Tuesday he could barely understand him. Darryl Talley said his daughter was crying over the phone with Bruce Smith’s son.’

‘”His physical toughness, work ethic, intelligence, character and sense of humor made him an undisputed leader on a team filled with Hall of Famers and stars. He was a fine man, a good friend and a true professional.”‘

‘He was such a down-to-earth guy, an honest, straight-shooter who always made time for you whether you were Ralph Wilson or the folks Ralph paid to clean the stadium after home games.’

‘Noted Bills special teams coach Bruce DeHaven: ”I saw where Jim Kelly said (Hull) was his best friend. Well, there were a lot of people that thought Kent Hull was their best friend. He was just that kind of guy.”’

‘”I don’t take satisfaction in the fact that we’re better than people thought we were because in our minds we’re better than 4-2 right now,” Fitzpatrick said. “We’ve got to come out and show it.”‘

‘The Buffalo coaching staff has been struggling to find ways to utilize second-year RB C.J. Spiller, the team’s 2010 first-round draft pick who has mostly been glued to the bench playing behind Fred Jackson who is enjoying a Pro Bowl quality season.’

‘”He’s sitting right there ready to take over that role,” coach Chan Gailey said. “Whether he starts or not (vs. Washington on Oct. 30), I don’t know. But he’s going to get the majority of the snaps.”‘