Photo of the fan of the day at camp.
BillsBeat - August 1, 2002
Record Crowd Expected For Saturday's Enshrinement
Large contingents are expected from the Buffalo and Pittsburgh areas. Officials at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and representatives of the participating Law Enforcement Agencies suggest fans arrive early on Saturday to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.
Johnson brings perspective to receiving corps
‘"I’m letting them know that – you know what? – it’s a game," Johnson said. "You love the game. We’re blessed to be in the position we’re in. But you gotta remember to enjoy it. Have fun with it. I enjoy the game and I have fun with it."’
Flowers must bloom
‘"My first two years stunk," Flowers said without hesitation. "What am I supposed to say, that I had outstanding years? No, of course not."’
Teague tackles duties as center
‘"Right now, we feel it’s the best way to get the best five guys out there," Williams said. "The fact everyone is versatile and we can move things if there’s an injury (is nice), but that’s the way we want to start camp and how we want to progress into the season."’
Bannan has an opportunity on defensive line
‘"So far, he’s been everything we thought he’d be when we drafted him," said John Levra, the Bills defensive-line coach. "He has good quickness, good toughness, good change of direction and he’s been good in the classroom, trying to absorb everything he can."’
Retired Hansen has no regrets
‘"I might have played a year too long with the pounding. Now that it’s over, my body’s more important to me than beating the hell out of it. I couldn’t do it at the level I wanted to anymore so I have no regrets (about retiring)."’
Bills fan of the day
‘"Of all the teams in the league, I think we’ve improved the most in the off-season. Mike Williams will be an impact player: He’s a mountain."’
Bills star Jim Kelly ensures huge gang of friends, relatives all here
‘The Kelly contingent has booked 505 hotel rooms — including 360 at the Quaker Square Crowne Plaza and Radisson City Center in downtown Akron. Could there be a bigger bash? Crowne Plaza director of sales Dave Cox said: “I suppose if Elvis threw one.”‘
Jim Kelly 'blessed' by son's presence
‘“Hunter got to hear what it’s like to have 75,000 fans cheering for you,” Kelly said. “That was the highlight of my career in that stadium. We’re praying that we can have another moment like that one in Canton.”‘
Levra ready to retire after this season
‘"I’ve enjoyed it all, and I’m still enjoying it," Levra said Wednesday as the Bills continued training camp in suburban Rochester. "But my grandchildren are eight-years-old now, and I want to be able to spend some time with them. I didn’t get a lot of time with my children when they were growing up because I was coaching."’
Kelly just part of Metzelaars' weekend
‘Metzelaars will be in Canton for the NFL’s Youth Football Summit, a “think tank” for high school coaches from around the nation that will be held from Thursday through Saturday in conjunction with Hall of Fame Weekend.’
BillsBeat - July 31, 2002
London Fletcher Diary: Entry #2
Fletcher: Greetings from the 2002 Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp! Camp is in full swing as we've been through a couple days of practices now and things are really starting to pick up.
Art Shell: Life At Training Camp
I was nervous about my first camp. I got there and suddenly saw all these stars I had watched on TV. Jim Otto, the Hall of Fame center who wore "00" on his jersey, probably made the most lasting impression on me. I used to watch Jim Otto snap the ball on punts without even looking back — I thought that was amazing. Then to get out there and see his leadership on the field. He's leading the group, guys are making fun of him, he's making fun of the guys. That was neat.
Bills count on Hollis to kickstart special teams
‘"When you get a true professional like Mike Hollis, you’re at a big advantage," said Bills special teams coordinator Danny Smith. "With his experience, his expertise in kicking, it just helps our whole football team. It helps young special teams player to have confidence in a guy like that who’s been there."’