‘I was born in Lackawanna, a scrappy industrial town 10 minutes south of the Queen City, where the steel dust fell from the sky like snow. Without a dad around, I was looking for a father figure. In my uncle’s car, we’d drive over to Henry’s Hamburgers, star tight end Ernie Warlick’s restaurant. Then I’d watch Warlick anchor the sports segments on the TV news. He was a standout beyond the field, a barrier breaker, a role model just like my never-swearing uncle.’
Archives for January 24, 2021
Move over, Bills mafia: Josh Allen’s biggest fans hail from small California town
‘“People say Josh is a special kid,” said Bill Magnusson, his coach at Firebaugh High. “You could say that a million times and it wouldn’t be enough.”’
McElroy: Richmond ‘Bills Mafia’ readies for biggest game in decades
‘Fan bases are distinct, but from their undying loyalty to the ritual of body slamming each other through tables, “Bills Mafia” has a special place among football diehards.’
Former Buffalo lineman Andy Levitre predicts Bills reach, win Super Bowl | NFL Playoffs
‘“I’m excited for them,” said Levitre, who lives near the beach in Live Oak. “I know it has been a long time. They have the best fanbase in football I’ve ever seen. There are a lot of die-hard Bills fans and they finally get a opportunity to have a crack at the Super Bowl.”’
Former Wilson tackle Rodney Hill enjoying Buffalo Bills’ playoff journey
‘His real work comes during the week when he and the other four members of the Bills’ strength and conditioning staff monitor the players’ work in the weight room. The players don’t need much coaxing, said the 29-year-old Hill.’
Mizzou’s Mitch Morse returns to KC at the center of Buffalo’s attack
‘“It’s the hidden gem of the Midwest for us, very fond memories,” Morse said. “After going to high school and growing up in Texas, I went to the University of Missouri and I really do have an affinity for Missouri and Kansas in general. Salt of the earth people.”’
A coaching candidate showdown: Eric Bieniemy vs. Leslie Frazier
‘“Coach Frazier, he’s a leader. To see his evolution through time, it’s because they understand things and have the experience and ability. He was able to navigate between (the late Eagles defensive coordinator) Jim Johnson, Andy Reid, (former team president Joe Banner), (Eagles owner) Jeffrey Lurie because you need a connector. It was always about the game. He’s a coach who doesn’t pass judgment and is always look for the best. Win, lose or draw, he had the same demeanor.”’
How Bills’ Josh Allen rose from Firebaugh to evolve into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks
‘“If I didn’t have to go (to community college), I wouldn’t have,” Allen told The Bee then. “I had no Division I offers, and I really felt like I was a Division I football player. Going the JUCO route helped me get to the situation I wanted.”’
Texans to interview Leslie Frazier after AFC title; Bills coordinator in play for next Houston head coach
‘Frazier had an initial interview with the club last week, following Buffalo’s suffocating victory over Baltimore in the Divisional Round, with owner Cal McNair and general manager Nick Caserio both very impressed with Frazier’s work on the field and demeanor and leadership skills, sources said. The team also still has Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Ravens passing game coordinator David Culley under consideration for the opening, though it’s worth noting that under the NFL’s tampering regulations regarding head coaching hires, the Texans could have already hired Caldwell, McCown, or Culley for the job.’
Bills denied Eagles permission to interview Brian Daboll prior to Philadelphia hiring Nick Sirianni
‘The Eagles reached out to a Bills official very late last week, seeking to set up an interview with Daboll on short notice, but did not submit a formal request form.’
Josh Allen’s father to miss Bills AFC Championship matchup vs. Chiefs due to COVID-19, per report
‘As Farmer highlight in his piece, Joel and Josh’s mother, LaVonne Allen, “fly all over the country every fall weekend to see” Allen, a California native, play for the Bills. With that devotion to watch Allen live in mind, this is clearly a rough blow for the family as Allen prepares for the biggest game of his professional life. While Joel will remain home, however, LaVonne is making the trip along with a contingent of family and friends, so Allen will still have plenty of loved ones in his corner at Arrowhead.’
Bills Mafia rejoices in long-awaited return to AFC championship game
‘”It seems cliché lately when people say it’s a family thing, but it really is,” he said. “That’s why this year has been a tough one socially. There’s all these people that you love to visit with but you can’t.”‘
Cole Beasley’s rap album shows the other side of Bills wide receiver
‘He considered using an alias, according to ESPN, but decided that he’d just roll with his own name. Beasley’s first album reached No. 7 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts.’
Tre’Davious White, drafted by Bills after Chiefs trade, faces tall task covering Tyreek Hill
‘Third time’s the charm, they often say, but for whom? It’s the rubber match, a postseason showdown to take the White vs. Hill matchup from a 1-1 won-loss record to an edge for one of the pair. It’s also Hill’s chance to show he can succeed against White’s coverage.’
Bills elevate Stills, Jackson to active roster
‘Both players are now eligible to be active for the game, but there is still no guarantee either will be. Stills is most likely insurance in case wide receiver Gabriel Davis can’t play due to his ankle injury. Davis missed two days of practice this week, then was limited on Friday and officially listed as “questionable” for the game.’