Two Bills Drive

‘An eight-year veteran, Cota spent the 2002 season with the Rams and appeared in 14 games.’

‘He becomes the 15th veteran newcomer to join the Bills this offseason, and ninth addition to a defense that finished 27th in points allowed, 29th in yards rushing per game, and 32nd in takeaways last year.’

Signed by Rams 9/3/02 as unrestricted free agent…spent part of 2002 training camp with San Francisco 49ers. Saw action in 14 games, including one start vs. Oakland on 10/13…collected 15 tackles (5 solo) on the season, primarily playing on special teams.

The Bills have agreed to terms on a contract with safety Chad Cota. An eight-year veteran, Cota spent the 2002 season with the Rams after playing three seasons for Indianapolis Colts (1999-2001), one season with New Orleans (1998), and three with Carolina (1995-97).

‘One significant change for premium seat clients is the option to renew for either a three-year or five-year lease. In ’98, only five-year commitments were accepted.’

‘"We look at it as a 15-year lease," Bills President Tom Donahoe said. "Are there options within the 15 years? There are. But based on our team, based on our business (success) and based on Mr. Wilson’s commitment to the area, right now it doesn’t look like an option we’d explore."’

‘The others are: pro wrestler Dick "the Destroyer" Beyer, Basketball Hall of Famer Al Cervi, sportscaster Don Criqui, prep sports benefactor Dick Gallagher, Bennett High School three-sport standout Don Gilbert, Buffalo Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek, former featherweight champion Tommy Paul, high school coach Art Serotte, Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas and NCAA gymnastics champion Lisa Zeis.’

‘Cota, an eight-year veteran, gives the Bills a little more insurance and competition on their depth chart, something team President and General Manager Tom Donahoe has been trying to create at virtually every position this offseason.’

Bills President/General Manager Tom Donahoe said, "We are announcing today that we have started our renewal program for the 2004 season for all of our suites and club seat holders. We are excited about the opportunity to continue our valued relationships with the many companies and individuals that support our franchise."

The Bills continued to add more to their rebuilt defense by reaching a one-year, $680,000 agreement with Rams strong safety Chad Cota, including a $25,000 signing bonus.

Cota, 31, is entering his ninth season and will be joining his fifth team. He’s played with the Panthers, Saints, Colts and Rams. Cota becomes the 12th veteran addition to the Bills. Earlier, the Bills signed Izell Reese, a safety, to a four-year, $3.2 million contract.

Cota’s contract will count only $475,000 against the Bills salary cap.

This was the Bills first regular season appearance at Joe Robbie Stadium.

Jim Kelly: "I don't know if this was my best game ever, but I'll tell you what, it's awfully sweet. I wouldn't trade this for anything. I prayed so much before that coin flip. I didn't want Marino to get the ball first."

‘"I know Dave (Moore) has been around a long time," Campbell said. "A coach can take you so far but I think you really learn a lot from players that have played against opponents and know things that maybe a coach wouldn’t know because they aren’t on the field. I look forward to becoming a better player and learning from Dave."’

Q: Coy, how much different is this defense compared to last year’s?

Coy Wire: Schematically, it’s a lot different. The philosophy that we have on defense has changed a little too. I think we’re combining Dick LeBeau and Jerry Gray’s schemes and philosophies and now we have this defense that, to me, is going to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas has been selected for induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame for 2003. He will be inducted along with ten other members of the Class of 2003 at an awards dinner on Wednesday, October 29 at the HSBC Arena in downtown Buffalo.