Two Bills Drive

‘Spikes had been Cincinnati’s leading tackler four of the last five years but after five losing seasons he had asked the team not to stand in the way of move.’

‘Spikes joins a Buffalo defense that ranked 27th of 32 teams in points allowed last season. The Bills, who had an 8-8 record in 2002, were 28th against the run and forced a league-low 19 turnovers.’

‘LeBeau played cornerback with the Detroit Lions from 1959-72 and was voted to three Pro Bowls. He also was an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers.’

‘"Takeo has been a good player for the Bengals and in the community, and I wish him well with his career in Buffalo," Lewis said. "Today is the beginning of a new day in the Bengal organization and in the shaping of the football team under my direction."’

‘For the Bills, the acquisition of Spikes is a giant step toward upgrading their linebacker corps. He becomes the second linebacker added since the start of the free-agent period.’

‘Takeo Spikes will become a Buffalo Bill.’

Takeo Spikes is coming to Buffalo. The Bengals announced today that they will not match the Bills’ offer sheet so Buffalo will get the weakside linebacker …

‘”Takeo has been a good player for the Bengals and in the community, and I wish him good luck with his career in Buffalo,” Lewis said. “Today is the beginning of a new day in the Bengal organization, and in the shaping of the football team under my direction.”‘

March 11, 1987 – STEVE FREEMAN TRADED TO VIKINGS

Bills' DB Steve Freeman was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for what was called "past considerations."

Bills entertain two players on Monday.

A native of London, OH, LeBeau attended Ohio State where he was and all-Big Ten selection as a defensive back and helped the Buckeyes win the national championship in 1957. He then played 14 seasons as a cornerback in the NFL with the Detroit Lions (1959-72) and appeared in three Pro Bowls. In that time, he appeared in an NFL-record 171 consecutive games at cornerback and his 62 career interceptions are tied the seventh most in NFL history.

After Peerless' departure, Johnson claims #81.

‘A veteran of 44 years in the NFL as a player and coach, LeBeau was a defensive coordinator on two Super Bowl teams — the ’88 Bengals and the ’95 Steelers — but his three seasons as Cincinnati’s head coach weren’t nearly as successful. The Bengals were 12-31 under LeBeau.’

Former Denver DE Kavika Pittman visited the New Orleans Saints on Friday and could receive an offer from them this week. If an offer from the Saints does not materialize, Pittman could take visits to the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.

‘LeBeau, a respected defensive strategist, will serve under coach Gregg Williams and work with defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. He will try to improve a defense that ranked 27th in points allowed, 29th in yards rushing per game and 32nd in takeaways last season.’