‘”This is a hard time for the Bills family,” said Bill Polian, former team president, his eyes welling. “The good part about it is it’s a big family. We’ll mourn Ralph’s loss, and we’ll pray for Jim. But there’s a lot of people doing that.”‘
Archives for March 2014
Despite Ralph Wilson’s death, Bills not leaving Buffalo in near future
‘”Our priority right now is to focus on the people at One Bills Drive and to focus on (Wilson). All of that will come at a later time,” Bills president Russ Brandon told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday.’
R.I.P. Ralph Wilson
‘In 1996, angry that Art Modell was abandoning Cleveland, Wilson was one of two owners to vote against the move of the Browns to Baltimore. He never voted in favor of a franchise relocation. He said owning a sports team isn’t like owning a car dealership. If the car dealership founders, it can be closed and consumers will find another place to purchase cars. But an NFL team-that’s a public trust.’
Jim Kelly’s toughest game: Fighting oral cancer
‘Oral cancers are any cancers occurring in the oral cavity, which starts in your throat and extends all the way to your lips. The sad part about this disease is that oral cancers are typically not identified early, which severely reduces survival rates.’
Bills staying put for now following Wilson’s death
‘”Anyone expecting to see the Los Angeles Bills is sorely mistaken,” SportsCorp President Marc Ganis told The Associated Press. “They can’t move even if they wanted to. It would go against the ironclad agreement done with Ralph’s blessing.”‘
Bills, Steelers ask NFL to approve joint practices
‘The Steelers would host the Bills this summer at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., then would visit the Bills’ camp at St. John Fisher College outside Rochester, N.Y. in 2015. The Steelers held joint training camp practices with the Washington Redskins in the 1980s and 1990s.’
No surgery for former Bills QB Kelly for cancer
‘She says doctors believe chemotherapy and radiation are the best option given the cancer’s complexity and aggressive nature.’
Bills fans to hold tailgate party in owner’s honor
‘The event will start at 1 p.m. Sunday. Parking will cost $10, with all proceeds to be donated to the Hunter’s Hope Foundation. The foundation is named for the late Hunter Kelly, son of former Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.’
Jim Kelly will not have surgery, wife says
‘”The cancer is in areas that surgery cannot successfully eradicate. Therefore, the medical specialists here in (New York City) along with our Buffalo team believe that chemotherapy and radiation are the best option.”‘
Bills, Steelers agree to hold joint practices
‘”We are looking for certain things and things that Coach (Mike) Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers bring to the table that would help us. I think there are things we can do that help them prepare for the season. We’ve talked about the schedule of what we’re going to do, when we practice together. I think it could be a very good working relationship for both teams.”‘
Former Bills QB Kelly’s cancer surgery canceled
‘”If you’ve dealt with cancer you know that you never really know for sure what each moment will hold,” Jill Kelly wrote. “But..Praise God. We are held in the Strong Mighty hands of an Unchanging God. Thank you for your continued prayer support.”‘
Update: Surgery canceled for Jim Kelly
‘”At this point, Jim will not be having surgery. The cancer is in areas that surgery cannot successfully eradicate. Therefore, the medical specialists here in NYC along with our Buffalo team believe that chemotherapy and radiation are the best option.”‘
Today’s not a day for hockey
‘For me, I think Ralph Wilson made the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the first five years he owned the team. Not only did he help start the AFL, he gave money to the Raiders to stay afloat and helped make the league what it became through the 60’s.’
The Buffalo Bills are not about winning and losing today
‘This is why I sometimes get emotional talking about the Bills. Their existence is more than wins and losses, triumph and heartbreak. The Bills are my childhood, a bond with my dad.’
Ralph Wilson’s legacy
‘Trying to sum up Mr. Wilson’s tenure atop the football team isn’t easy. He had somewhat of a roller coaster relationship with the fans of his franchise.’