Archives for August 2002

Where Is He Now: During the early stages of his football career, Ron McDole was either one of the most persistent players in the NFL or AFL, or he was one of the unluckiest.

Photo of the fan of the day at camp.

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.

‘"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."’

‘"My first two years stunk," Flowers said without hesitation. "What am I supposed to say, that I had outstanding years? No, of course not."’

‘"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."’

‘"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."’

‘"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)."’

‘"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."’

‘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.”‘

‘“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.”‘

‘"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."’

‘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.’