‘"Nine of the last 12 games were (decided by) seven points or less. The hope is we can learn from that, and the biggest part of that is coming back ready to go even harder than we did this year."’
BillsBeat - January 8, 2002
Bills' classy Hansen tackles retirement
‘”He’s one of the best people I’ve ever been associated with,” said Bills offensive lineman Jerry Ostroski. “There isn’t a phony bone in that guy’s body. You won’t find a better teammate or friend. He will be missed.”‘
Bills' to-do list includes making Van Pelt starter
‘Rookie coach Gregg Williams and his staff had more growing pains this year than a teenager with a new weight set and Williams would’ve been better served hiring a pair of experienced coordinators last winter. But now that Mike Sheppard and Jerry Gray have gotten their hands dirty, their second years should operate much smoother. Why start over?’
Fickle Johnson should not return
‘Donahoe’s recent comments about Johnson’s durability and burdensome contract lead one to believe that the Bills are ready to file for divorce. Still, talk that Donahoe will meet this week with Johnson’s agent have kept open the possibility that he may return. Let’s hope not.’
Ex-NDSU star ends 11-year Buffalo career
‘”I want to be remembered as a consistent, dependable guy everyone could depend on,” Hansen said. “I got everything out of my God-given talent, and I believe I used all the tools at my disposal, and got everything out that I could.”‘
Bills Defensive End Hansen Retires After 11-Year NFL Career
‘"I want to be remembered as a consistent, dependable guy," Hansen said. "I wasn’t Bruce Smith, and I couldn’t do what Bruce Smith did. I believe I used all the tools at my disposal, and got everything out of my talent that I could."’
BillsBeat - January 7, 2002
Bills' Henry to have knee surgery
‘Rookie Travis Henry, the Buffalo Bills leading rusher, will have arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to relieve tendinitis in his right knee.’
Bills DE Phil Hansen announces retirement
‘Although he never received Pro Bowl recognition, Hansen started 148 of 156 games with the Bills and was regarded as one of the team’s most consistent players, compiling 867 tackles.’
Phil Hansen announces his retirement
‘One of just two Bills remaining from the team’s Super Bowl runs of the early 1990s, Hansen leaves the Bills as the team’s second-best sack producer, with 61.5, and the team’s active leader in games played (156).’
Bills Hansen retires, ending 11-year career
‘”My body and my heart tell me it’s time to move on. I’ve known for a long time now that this would be my final season. I tried to keep it a secret because I didn’t want it to become a distraction to any of my teammates,” Hansen said. “I always thought the focus should be on the opponent.”‘
Glory days aren't around the corner for Bills
‘Nine of the Bills’ 16 games were decided by a touchdown or less. That means they were competitive. But they won just three of those games. That means they weren’t good enough to make the plays when it counted.’
Sprained shoulder ends Van Pelt's day and season
‘"I think it’s a partial dislocation, and the doctors said it should take about six to eight weeks to completely heal."’
Monday billboard
‘Fiedler is 4-0 against the Bills since becoming the starter last year.’
Buffalo finishes out season with loss
‘The Bills wrapped up their 42nd season with a 34-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins Sunday afternoon at Pro Player Stadium, a game in which the Dolphins were able to keep the Bills offense off the field in the first half. As a result of a dominant 30 minutes early, Miami wore out the Buffalo defense in the second half, and broke open a close game in the fourth quarter.’
Plug is finally pulled on long, painful season
‘There couldn’t have been a more fitting end to this pathetic season for the Buffalo Bills.’