Archives for March 2004

‘Van Pelt tore a ligament in his wrist in the pregame warm-up before the Bills-Dolphins game in December. He was approached about the analyst job about a month ago after it became clear the wrist might keep him out well into the season. The Bills save about $1 million against the salary cap by terminating the contract.’

‘”I think what we’ve all found out is that with the parity we’ve seen the last few years . . . the turnover of head coaches, the turnover of personnel each year, no one knows who’s going to win,” Vincent said in a phone interview with Buffalo-area reporters Tuesday. “I don’t think anyone can make a promise. . . . Last year on paper, the Bills were very talented. They had more talent than most teams in the NFL. Some injuries happened and the chemistry just wasn’t there, and they didn’t perform to the caliber of play they’re capable of. Our chances now are just as good as any team in the NFL.”‘

‘The Bills today announced that former quarterback Alex Van Pelt has been selected as the color analyst for the Bills Radio Network.’

“For whatever reason,” allowed Buffalo Bills rookie coach Mike Mularkey at the recent combine sessions in Indianapolis, “(wide receiver) is a more difficult position to project than most people might think.”‘

‘”Last year, on paper, the Bills were very talented. They had more talent than most teams in the NFL but there were injuries and the chemistry just wasn’t there. But this is another season, and I can say our talent is as good as any in the National Football League.”‘

‘Alex Van Pelt’s playing career as a Buffalo Bill may have ended, but the longtime backup quarterback may rejoin the club, either in a football or business-related capacity in the front office. An announcement could come as soon as today.’

‘”I had a nice chat with [Bills general manager] Tom Donohoe [Monday] night, and he expressed some sincere interest in Billy,” Staninger told The City Paper.’

‘Van Pelt was a Buffalo quarterback for nine seasons. He served mostly as a backup but started 11 times in 31 games for his NFL career and ranks among the top ten passers in Bills history.’

‘Troy Vincent, known for his superb play on the field and charitable works off it, signed a multi-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.’

‘The Bills would not provide any other details on the move, but Van Pelt was spotted a day earlier at the team’s headquarters wearing a plastic cast on his right wrist. Van Pelt missed Buffalo’s final game of the season at New England after he strained his wrist the previous week during warmups.’

‘The New Orleans Saints have added one of the NFL’s top fullbacks to their backfield with the signing of two-time Pro Bowl FB Sam Gash to a one-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice-President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.’

Veteran fullback Sam Gash signed with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. The Saints also cut three players, including cornerback Dale Carter.

‘The Bills today announced that the contract of quarterback Alex Van Pelt has been terminated/failed physical.’

‘”First of all, Mr. Wilson and his reputation there’s not much I can say about him. We all know what he’s done for the National Football League. He’s given us all an opportunity to live out our dreams. I think more importantly coach (Mike) Mularkey. When I met him, I didn’t know much about him but I’ve heard of him before and what he’s done in his years at Pittsburgh. He was just real. He was a genuine gentleman. He wasn’t trying to paint a picture of what he can do. He wasn’t making any promises. First and foremost he started talking about his family in our discussion. My family comes first. I think everything else takes care of itself after that. He emphasized that. He emphasized that he was not going to be on the couch sleeping here at the stadium all night. He was going to come in and get his work done and he expects the same from the players. I can truly appreciate that. I can appreciate his honesty.”‘

‘Vincent broke into the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 1992 out of Wisconsin and was the seventh player selected overall. He spent the 1992-95 seasons with the Dolphins before joining the Eagles as a free agent in 1996.’