Archives for June 2004

‘After returning back to his home area of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he has a two-year-old son, Daryl, for the past year, he has owned and operated Porter’s Place [www.portersplace.biz]. "It’s a sports bar and restaurant. We have a full menu, steaks, garlic shrimp. It’s pretty big, 8,000 square feet. We do a lot of entertainment, jazz bands, blues. Basically, it’s just something I had the knack for, being around people and making sure people are comfortable.’

‘"I think that people respected the decision that I made," Spielman said. "It was an easy decision to make, but it still felt like you were letting people down. I certainly made the right decision, don’t get me wrong. I felt like the people in Buffalo, for the two years, treated me great and I loved playing there and being a part of it, but I still felt like I let them down. I guess it justified my decision to not play football, because I got a standing ovation. It made me feel good, obviously. I guess that I was accepted as a Buffalo Bill."’

‘Gildon’s agent Peter Schaffer said his client’s visit is scheduled to last through today. The Bills are an attractive stop for Gildon, who was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers for salary-cap reasons two weeks ago, Schaffer said.’

‘Gildon was a 1994 draft selection by Buffalo president Tom Donahoe for the Steelers. Gildon played ten years in Pittsburgh and his 77 career sacks are a team record.’

‘Gildon is a two-time Pro Bowl selection who’s production has tailed off the last two years. After registering 13½ sacks in 2000 and 12 in 2001, he combined for just 15 in the past two seasons. That included just six last season, his fewest since 1997.’

‘Gildon is entering his 11th year in the league and had spent his entire career with the Steelers. He was released following the season.’

‘Buffalo also released linebacker Dilibe Acholonu, an undrafted free agent the team signed in April.’

‘The Bills today announced that the team has signed cornerback Gerald Dixon and rookie free agent safety Jonathon Palafox.’

‘Fans had to write an essay about their favorite Eric Moulds moment on or off the field, how it affected them personally, and why it was special to them. The hundreds of entries on memories provided by the longest current tenured Bills player were whittled down to a group of four finalists.’

‘The Buffalo Bills already are on the verge of selling out four home games this season – even before individual tickets go on sale to the general public – and they’re confident they will sell out all eight games for the second year in a row.’

‘Gildon, who excelled in a 3-4 alignment, could be a pass rusher off the edge in a 4-3 but the Bills expect to get more out of Jeff Posey (5.5 sacks) in that role now that he’s got a year under his belt in Jerry Gray’s system. Rookie free agent Dilibe Acholonu, who had a big career rushing the passer at Washington State, will also be given a good look in camp.’

‘President and GM Tom Donahoe said "very legitimate" contract offers are out to starting left tackle Jonas Jennings, defensive end Aaron Schobel and defensive tackle Pat Williams, who each becomes a free agent in 2005.’

‘The Bills are leaving no stone unturned during the organized team activities, devoting plenty of time to special teams, along with offense and defense. "They’ve been addressed about special teams, the best players will be on the field; starter or non-starter, rookie or 10-year vet," coach Mike Mularkey said. "The best guy who can do the job on each play will be on the field."’

‘SS Coy Wire is getting a look at free safety. Wire, who’s physical and instinctive, is competing against starter Izell Reese. Wire must prove he has the range and know-how to pass Reese, a smart player who’s rangier than Wire but not as physical. Whoever starts must make more big plays.’

‘Despite his problems in the last year and a half and the fact that the Bills picked another quarterback in the first round of this draft, Drew Bledsoe is still Buffalo’s quarterback of the present, at least in the estimation of ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski. “I probably looked at 10-12 Bills games last year,” said Jaworski, a former Pro Bowl quarterback with the Eagles. “I saw no decline in his physical talent, his ability to throw the football and throw ropes 40-45 yards down the field.” As Jaworski sees it, Bledsoe will get better once his protection improves.’