Archives for July 2002

‘San Diego Chargers general manager John Butler has lung cancer, the team confirmed Monday night. Butler, 55, is undergoing chemotherapy treatments after learning of the disease in a routine physical on June 28. He will continue his executive duties with the Chargers.’

‘"Tony has probably had the best off-season of anybody on this team," coach Gregg Williams said. "Since he was injured, he never took any time off. He never missed any time in the meetings. And I think that speaks volumes for him about how serious he wants to make this team."’

‘"He’s making it fun out there again," Moulds said of Gilbride, as the Bills continued their first week of training camp in suburban Rochester on Monday. "We’re getting an opportunity to go get the ball, go deep."’

‘The Bledsoes, who reportedly were looking in the Clarence and Eggertsville area, bought a house in the Town of Aurora. According to public documents, filed on July 10, the Bledsoes paid $900,000 for the house.’

This is London Fletcher reporting from the 2002 Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp. I'll be touching base with you all (or buffalobills.com) every few days to give you the inside scoop of what's going on around here, so bookmark this page and keep in touch! Today I just wanted to check in and let you guys know how the first couple of days went.

As the "Countdown to Canton" continues, buffalobills.com is asking fans to submit their favorite Jim Kelly memories. A selection of these submissions will be displayed on the site and if yours is picked, you'll win one box of Kelly Krunch autographed by Jim Kelly.

‘”I’m still learning. The more I’m in there, the more I feel comfortable,” said Wire. “I’ve got a lot to learn, but the coaches have been great, really patient with me.”‘

‘”I feel good … spending time with the fans and spending extra time signing autographs after practice. It doesn’t bother me, I enjoy it.”‘

‘He and the Bills reached agreement on a six-year deal believed to be worth $38 million. He got an initial signing bonus of $7.5 million and will get another bonus of $4.25 million next spring, according to an NFL source.’

‘Teague, who’s played left tackle his entire professional career, will begin his time in Buffalo as the first-string center, head coach Gregg Williams said Sunday. Jonas Jennings opens training camp as the Bills’ projected starter at left tackle.’

‘After spending a short time with him, you come away with a sense that his smile and pleasant demeanor are very genuine. What you see is what you get.’

‘The 83-year-old Wilson enjoyed a nice reception from the rest of the team, too. After the morning practice, he walked onto the field to applause from the Bills and delivered a speech while players huddled around him.’

One lucky fan – Traning Camp fan of the day

‘"I was relieved because I wanted to be up here and be with my teammates," said Williams, who signed a six-year contract worth a reported $38 million including $11.75 million in bonus money, $7.5 million to paid now and $4.25 million in 2003. "I was bored just sitting around waiting for him (agent David Dunn) to do the deal. I was excited and I’m ready to go full speed."’

‘Riemersma begins camp as the No. 1 tight end, but it is a tenuous grip as free agent Dave Moore — signed from Tampa Bay — will push him for that role.’