Archives for August 18, 2000

‘Pingel wasn’t sure he would be invited to an NFL camp, even after finishing his college career with an NCAA record 436 receptions, which shattered Jerry Rice’s mark of 301. He established seven all-division records, including career yards (6,108), receiving touchdowns (75) and receptions per game (13.6). He received the 1999 Melberger Award, which is given to the Division III player of the year. As astonishing as Pingel’s statistics were at Westminster [College], his 4.7-second time in the 40 wasn’t exactly the stuff that makes the NFL take notice. These days, he’s training with the likes of Buffalo receivers Peerless Price and Eric Moulds, and while doing so has determined that he can play professionally at some level. "As far as practice goes, I’d like to be getting more reps, but I have seen improvement in my game," he said. "Coming from Division III, I thought the cornerbacks would totally kill me, but I’m finding out how to play them. I’ve always felt I belong here. I never have felt out of my element."’

‘The Bills will trim their 79-man roster to 65 as early as Monday, a day before the NFL-imposed deadline. Some of the cuts will be easier than others, but coach Wade Phillips said there is still time for players to make an impression. "The talent evaluation will go all the way through," Phillips said. "There may be a couple of guys on the bubble as far as 65, so you want to get it right every time. I think there will be a pretty good competition over who will be the final 53. "The last two weeks are important for guys, but the most important thing is getting ready for that first game with the guys who are going to play it."’

‘Today, after a number of ambitious, innovative but, ultimately, disappointing business ventures, the well-spoken 65-year-old is living in the Philadelphia area, polishing his biography. He’s lost none of his combativeness, nor his conviction he’s been a life-long victim of racism…So now that you have your own provocative Internet Web site (http://www.cookiegilchrist.com), what do you propose to call your book? “The Cookie that did not Crumble.”‘

‘In reality, Hansen — in his unassuming way — has always been a reliable leader and coach Wade Phillips said that will not change. "He’s still leading by example, but he’s also a vocal leader, and he’s been a captain for a number of years," said Phillips. "We get the leadership qualities we need from him and we always have." Said Hansen: "It’s really hard to believe that Bruce, Thurman and Andre are gone, but now it’s time for guys like myself and Henry to take a more prominent role. "I don’t think it’s a burden, I think it’s my responsibility as a 10-year member of the Buffalo Bills to make sure that this team stays on course and does what it has done in the past and that’s be a good successful team." The best way Hansen can do that is to lead by example, which is what he has always done.’