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Cool to finally hear from him. I would be interested to hear just how much control he has over the offense, meaning how much input will Rex have on that side of the ball. I heard a Rex presser last week where he actually said "We on the defensive side of the ball" where I got the impression it really will be Roman's show.

Peter King teases the article in the Ten Things I Think I Think section of today's MMQB:

Stones It's Only Rock n Roll

The reporter from SI was still in Buffalo yesterday, on the field as Rex threw out the first pitch at the Bisons game. No wonder the story hasn't shown up yet. Thurman posted on FB that it would be the cover story.

The last game Bruce, Thurman, and Andre played as Bills.

OR... I could break the cover jinx for all time... That would have been a good idea

Can't believe it's taken this long... Yes.

Rex mentioned yesterday that there are over 80 former Bills players that still live in Buffalo.

I've always been a fashion trend-setter

Yeah Jill Kelly took that. My left eye is visible behind the Chef.

Yep that's what we were told. I talked to the photographer about getting some of the pics and he said he'd give me his card but I stupidly left before that could happen. I don't see any pics on the Big Tree FB page. Is this it? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Tree-Inn/117361401615308

Not sure how that makes you obtuse, but no - I work at Paychex.

Leroi did I forget to mention anything you think the folks out there would find interesting?

I think the figure in blue next to Scott Berchtold (behind the SI reporter) is Jill Kelly.

Yep He knows I can be trusted - he just wanted to make sure I was interested before adding me to Berchtold's list.

Got one

Sure did offer.

My sister was at some community function with a bunch of Bills players once, one player per table, and Kirby was at hers. One person from each table won that player's jersey and my sister won it. Not sure if she still has it though.

Ordered via The Sports Look - a Bills merchandise store that was here in Rochester for a few years on West Henrietta Road near Marketplace Mall. My wife has a Beebe one just like it.

It is indeed - purchased in 1991, ordered direct from Champion (the only way to get authentics back then). Still in pristine condition. It's tucked in because they made them VERY long - goes down to my knees. I was going to get a Phil Hansen, but my sister did so I had to be different. Side note - my first ever post on TSW was in the Trading Post, trying to sell that very jersey. Now I'm so glad I didn't get any takers. I assume it will be available soon. I know it will be an article - they said the pic they use might even be the cover. Having video was news to me. Jim Kelly's funniest line was "The only time I was ever on the cover of SI I was wearing a New Jersey Generals uniform - a team I never even played for!"

One more pic: Considered the kilt but it's more of a game-day thing. Heitz, if it helps you at all, I went commando.

Got a call from my front-office guy Monday saying SI would be doing an interview/photo shoot with Rex at the Big Tree for an article on the optimism in Buffalo since he arrived and asking if I wanted to be in the photo. Had to keep it on the down-low to avoid a stampede. Well DUH! Found out the next day that Jim & Thurman would also be included. So I took the day off and headed to Buffalo. The SI reporter talked to Rex at a back table while the assembled volunteers did what we do - had a few beers and talked Bills. Pinto Kenny was there, as were "The Chefs". Chatted with Jim & Thurman a bit. When the solo interview was over, they all went to a table, had some wings, and talked in front of the camera for about half an hour. Discussed how the Bills are so integral to the community and how Rex is fitting in, how Rex compares to Marv and the current team to the 90s version. Sounds like both Jim & Thurman are involved quite a bit - Thurman's first meeting with Rex turned into a film session on a QB they were looking at (but refused to name). Jim stressed the need for internal leadership, and of course a QB who could use all those weapons. Seemed like there were no tears shed when Marrone left. After that they arranged the assembled fans behind the 3 while they snapped pics. Jim seems to be doing very well - was very energetic and looks to have put back some of the weight he lost during treatment. It was a very cool way to spend a few hours.

Oh the stories that basement bar could tell.

They think they can get to 60,000 season tickets. The record is just over 57,000

November 1970, loss to the Bengals at the Rockpile. OJ ripped up a knee on a kickoff return and the Bills pretty much gave it up after that. Our seats were right behind the Bills bench and they brought OJ off right in front of us. Still have the pennant.