Archives for December 11, 2014

‘Ralph and Mary Wilson previously donated millions to charity. The Ralph Wilson Medical Research Foundation, established in 1999, supports research at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and four other institutions. The athletic field at the NFL/YET Boys & Girls Club on Tireman in Detroit is also dedicated in Ralph Wilson’s honor.’

‘”If you’re asking me personally, my decision is that he’s going to play,” the second-year coach said, referring to Orton after practice Wednesday. “If you ask somebody else, they might tell you something different, I don’t know.”‘

‘The team provided the clarification on Wednesday, a day after Williams was not claimed off the waived-injured list. Once Williams is released, the Bills won’t have to pay the final four years of his contract. The fifth-year player was due to make a $5.2 million base salary next season.’

‘They’ve never won in five visits to Buffalo (7-6). Green Bay has beaten every other franchise on the road, and the only other current NFL cities where it hasn’t won are Indianapolis (four visits) and Nashville (two).’

‘The Talley family issued a statement expressing its “deepest appreciation for everyone concern and support,” Frank Croisdale told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Croisdale is a longtime Bills fan who established an internet-based fundraising campaign for Talley on Thanksgiving Day.’

‘The Packers lead the league in scoring, are sixth in yards, and third in third-down percentage. This represents the toughest test of the year for the Buffalo defense; and, just like last week, there’s no way around this fact: Like Denver, Green Bay’s offense cannot be stopped, only perhaps contained, and the Buffalo offense will be on the hook to win the game.’

‘”Right now, absolutely, I will play Kyle Orton because he gives us the best chance to win now,” he said. “I will say this: my job right now is to win a football game, and that’s how I see it. So, I’m doing the best job I can to win a football game, plain and simple.”‘

‘Upon his release the Bills will not owe Williams any further compensation, as long as the wideout is cut ahead of the third day of the new league year in March. Buffalo initially acquired Williams from Tampa Bay in April for a sixth-round pick.’

‘Both Williams and offensive tackle Chris Hairston missed the session due to sickness. Tight end Chris Gragg was the only other non-participant, who missed due to a lingering knee injury.’

‘Should Jackson be deemed the winner of the league-wide award, the donation increases to $25,000. Jackson has chosen Carly’s Club to receive the donation, a charity that he provides twenty tickets and food vouchers to for every home game.’

‘Off the field, Jackson has been just as impressive, serving as a strong community advocate supporting not only the Buffalo Bills breast cancer awareness and community service initiatives, but also the team’s youth player-safety (Heads Up Football) and fitness programs (Play 60). In addition to the community work he does at and away from One Bills Drive, Fred provides twenty tickets and food vouchers for every home game to Carly’s Club.’

‘Utilizing a strong, wide base, Williams has exceptional footwork that leads to superior balance along the defensive front. After establishing a low center of gravity, he is able to get his pads under the blocker’s pads to limit an offense’s push, then uses exceptional hand techniques to disengage and pursue the ball-carrier. Williams shows exceptional ability for a defensive tackle to loop around on stunts, getting to the outside.’