Two Bills Drive

Buffalo Bills News and Discussion

Archives for January 27, 2018

Hard to see now, but timing of Wood’s exit from Bills has potential bright spot

‘For one thing, it gives them sufficient time to work out a replacement plan. Thanks to the foresight of matching the offer sheet he received from the Los Angeles Rams as a restricted free agent last year, they have veteran Ryan Groy, who took over for the final seven games of the 2016 season after Wood suffered a broken leg. They also have plenty of time to seek another experienced center in free agency or find a player at the position in the draft … or do both.’

Jerry Sullivan: Forced retirement of Eric Wood leaves hole on field and in community

‘Wood was truly one of the good guys, a fixture in the community and a faithful, if generally diplomatic, resource for the media. He was the Bills’ nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award in both 2015 and ’16. His Eric Wood Fund raised more than $57,000 at a November fundraiser for the Oishei Children’s Hospital. He gave his time to countless community causes, including the Bills’ Play 60 Program, Teammates for Kids, and Make A Wish.’

Sully’s Mailbag: Bills can’t be afraid to move up for QB

‘You need to be bold sometimes. It’s an inexact science, but if they love a guy, they should definitely spend what it takes to get him. It’s Beane’s job to get it right, and if he identifies the right quarterback, it’ll be worth the price.’

Donald Jones to exit ‘John Murphy Show’

‘He said Jones will be leaving in the coming months “to pursue other opportunities closer to his home in New Jersey. This was Donald’s decision. We thank him for his contributions and wish him and his family nothing but the best.”‘

Sean Kirst: In the face of cancer, Bills icon buoyed by #PanchosPick

‘He went through some tests. The results seemed impossible, against all logic. Castro, 38, had tumors in his liver, lungs and lymph nodes and a massive one, wrapped around his spine, that was removed surgically in December. A guy who’d hardly been sick for a day in his life was suddenly walking around with stage four cancer.’

Bills center Eric Wood issues statement confirming that he will retire from the NFL

‘In that exam, a deteriorated neck condition, caused by years of fighting on the line of scrimmage, convinced team doctors that it was no longer safe for Wood to continue playing. Friday afternoon, Wood confirmed this news in a statement that indicated he will announce his retirement Monday at news conference at One Bills Drive.’

Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood reportedly suffers career-ending neck injury

‘Wood was not only one of the pillars of the Bills’ offensive line, but he was also one of the leaders off the field with community work. His foundation, The Eric Wood Foundation, provides seriously ill, special needs and physically challenged children throughout Greater Buffalo, NY and Lousiville, KY with daily encouragement and life changing experiences, according to its website.’

What Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood said about his career-ending neck injury

‘”I was diagnosed with a neck injury as part of my season-ending physical with the Bills,” Wood said. “After consultation with Dr. Cappuccino and other physicians, I was informed that I was no longer cleared to play football, even with surgery or further treatment. I appreciate and thank everyone for their thoughts, concerns and prayers, and I will shed more light on the situation at a press conference on Monday at the team facility.”‘

Current and former Buffalo Bills react to Eric Wood retirement news

‘News broke on Friday that Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood would have to retire due to a neck injury. Wood later confirmed the news and said he’d talk more about the injury at a press conference on Monday. After Wood shared the news, messages of support from former and current Bills poured in. Here’s a look at some of the messages sent to Wood.’

Senior Bowl: Bills have “extensive” meeting with QB Baker Mayfield

‘“That’s the only upside for me (being here,” Mayfield said to SI. “I’m confident I can show exactly what I’m about, how much I care about football and how I’d do anything to win. And not just that. Put me on a board and let me show you how much I know about the game. Let me show that I can pick information up, take it and run with it. Getting in front of these people was so important.”’

Losing Eric Wood a blow to Buffalo Bills

‘But the biggest blow will be to the team’s leadership structure. Wood was a veteran presence. It’s one thing to find a replacement for his position. But it’s tough to find someone who can fill his shoes as a leader. That may be the Bills’ biggest challenge of all.’

Former Louisville offensive lineman Eric Wood has career-ending injury

‘”He was a pleasure to coach because he came to work every day willing to get better and was a key component in a great run for the University of Louisville football program. Off the field, Eric was an even better young man and a great ambassador for the university. I’m saddened his NFL career was cut short, but I know the next chapter of his life will be just as successful.”’