Two Bills Drive

'There’s no question about Boldin’s dedication to off-the-field pursuits, especially after 14 seasons in the NFL with Arizona, Baltimore, San Francisco and Detroit where his prolific production was sometimes overshadowed by his off-field dedication and generosity. Even, in announcing his retirement, he made it clear how much the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia bothered him.'

'“You hit the nail on the head – he’s been flying under the radar,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “His role on this defense is vital. He communicates well back there for us. He’s one of the quarterbacks along with Micah Hyde, for the defense and the secondary.”'

'"It wasn't a decision that I made all of the sudden," Boldin told hosts Vic Carucci and Ross Tucker. "It was something that I had been dealing with for a couple years. I always felt like football would be my passion, football would get me past a lot of things. When I stepped up to the podium, what I said was honestly true. But just seeing things that transpired over the last week or so, I mean, I think for me, there's something bigger than football at this point.'

'As a 15-year veteran, he was expected to do what he did last season with the Detroit Lions – be productive in a sound, efficient way that relied far more on his experience and savvy than speed and quickness. He would run ultra-precise routes. He would make the very most of his highly reliable hands. And he would provide considerable leadership with his vast wisdom and tremendous character, embodying all of the qualities coach Sean McDermott wants from all of his players.'

'“Words cannot possibly describe how much I loved my father and how deeply broken-hearted our entire family is right now,” he wrote. “I am the man I am today because of the man my father was everyday of his life. He was an awesome example and taught me and my five brothers how to live life and represent the Kelly Family.'

'While the deal with Pegulas marks a significant change for AdPro, which was founded in 1999, much about how the company runs will remain the same. Raccuia is still the president and maintain ownership in the new partnership, and the company's management team remains in place. AdPro's hub of operations will continue to be its 88,000-square-foot facility in Cheektowaga, near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.'

'“When I stepped to the podium (in training camp), what I said was true but things that have transpired over the last week or so, for me, there’s something bigger than football at this point,’’ Boldin said. “It’s shocking for me to say that because football is something I’ve dedicated my life towards.’’'

'Surely, he could’ve played this season and been everything general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott hoped for. A consummate professional, a classy presence for the franchise, a veteran showing a rebuilding team full of young players how to get it done, a free agent signing with residual benefits for years to come.'

'Mr. Kelly spent a lifetime working as a machinist in western Pennsylvania steel mills, and didn't want his children to endure the hardships he faced, the Democrat and Chronicle reported in 2002. He wanted Jim to wear a helmet, not a hard hat.'

'"Seeing the things that transpired in the last week or so, for me, there's something bigger than football at this point," Boldin said. "It's kind of shocking for me to say that, because football has been something I dedicated my life to."'

'When the Bills traded away Sammy Watkins, Bills general manager Brandon Beane made it clear the team wasn't throwing in the towel because it had just signed Boldin. He and the team certainly didn't envision Boldin walking away just over a week later. The team is now left with a rookie as its No. 1 receiver heading into the third preseason game. Boldin wasn't going to swing the season one way or another, but it's a blow to morale to have a player like Boldin step away after two weeks with the team.'

'Trade for Phillip Dorsett.'

'“I always wanted to come back home,” Waufle said. “Coach McDermott and I had the same agent at one time and used to go to dinner at the combine. Coach Frazier and I have known each other for a long time. Juan Castillo and I have known each other for 20 years. Those are some guys I really respect. When I found out they were here, I was like whoa. I love both those guys, I love Coach McDermott. He’s doing a great job of teaching this team how to be a playoff caliber team. I love being back home.”'

'"I always felt like football would be my passion, football would be the path to a lot of things," Boldin said. "But just seeing the things that transpired over the last week or so, I think for me, there's something bigger than football at this point."'

'"I think Tyrod is a fine quarterback, and I think he'll be just great. I have all the confidence in the world in Tyrod. I played in this league for 14 years, and I don't think [you can see" target="_blank"> how a season is gonna go based off of one preseason game."'