Two Bills Drive

‘For the past two summers, Bryce Fisher has used up all his vacation time to fly in from Colorado and attend Buffalo Bills training camps.

Yet he is not an avid fan. Nor does he visit Western New York to collect autographs. Fisher was one of the Bills’ seventh-round picks in last year’s draft. He was the defensive tackle who recorded four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble, and helped cause an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the preseason opener at Seattle. The next day, he was back in Colorado Springs, fulfilling his obligation to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Fisher hasn’t played a game of football since his debut, but he’s with the Bills again and is set to play the full preseason slate this time around. Of course, he still has at least one more year to serve and will not play a down of regular-season action this year. Nevertheless, he burns up his furlough time working at his second job.’

‘Wade Phillips welcomed the players back from their weekend off, gathering them together before practice in the fieldhouse for another reminder. "I talked about the mental aspect, stressing the mental part of the game and being prepared."’

‘By 1999 the Bills average ticket cost had escalated to $40.89, about a 50 percent jump over 10 years, and a 15 percent increase in a year’s time. Last year the average cost of an NFL ticket was $45.63. The addition of premium club seating is a primary reason for the increase. Like the Sabres, the Bills in recent years have steadily remained on the low end in average ticket costs. Since 1994, the least expensive seat at Ralph Wilson Stadium has gone up to $30, a $4 boost. "There are a lot of factors that go into (ticket prices) and there is not any single factor that dominates the conversation," said Bills’ vice president/communications Scott Berchtold. "We look around the league and Western New York."’

‘When wide receiver and special teams ace Steve Tasker played for the Buffalo Bills, he planned carefully for his future after retirement. During his off-seasons, Tasker worked for Buffalo’s WKBW-TV (Ch. 7), an ABC affliate. "I was there for six or eight years,” Tasker said. "I was an intern there. I ran scripts around, did all that. I wrote a story or two for the 11 o’clock news, so that helped me out with my writing.”’

‘Phillips ended a crisp, spirited afternoon practice by telling his players not to be foolhardy with their weekend off. “You represent yourself, your family, the Buffalo Bills and me. Do the right thing this weekend.”‘

‘The Bills are replacing Ray Bentley, who now is coaching the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena League, with veteran play-by-play man Jay Randolph on their preseason telecasts. Steve Tasker will be the analyst for the two games in August, which will be carried locally on Channel 49. "We love Ray, but we thought it was in the best interest of both of us to make the change," said a Bills spokesman.’

‘Nine days after the birth of the namesake grandson he never got to see, Vincent A. Tobia, the late Buffalo Bills lawyer and legendary State Police undercover mob and narcotics investigator, was lauded by Gov. George E. Pataki and the State Legislature at a Buffalo ceremony Friday. A State Legislature resolution praising Tobia, who died of a heart attack at 60 last July 7 was presented to his son, attorney Vincent J., and his 81-year-old father, Vincent. During the noontime ceremony in Erie County Hall, Mayor Anthony M. Masiello cited Tobia’s business and legal skills as key factors in keeping the NFL franchise in Buffalo while teams moved out of much larger, more media-intense cities over the past decade. Masiello told the courtroom filled with the late lawyer’s friends that Tobia had played "an integral role" in keeping professional football alive in Buffalo.’

‘"Size," Moore said, pausing, following a mini-camp session this week. "I never really thought much about my size. Other people, they’re always talking about my size. But I just constantly wanted to go out and make plays. And that’s what I do best. "So don’t worry about my size. I just let my play-making take control of that."’

"Attendance was at its lowest for the mini-camp, but that didn’t keep the 67 Bills who took part from engaging in the most spirited practice to date as rain pelted the fieldhouse roof. The team went 11-on-11 in the morning for the first time."

"Rob Johnson understands the skepticism. If he were looking at himself from the outside, he, too, would question his ability to withstand the rigors of a 16-game NFL season."

“It appears Ralph Wilson has more talents than running a football team. The Buffalo Bills owner and his wife, Mary, have advanced to the semifinals of an 80-and-over international tennis doubles tournament in Europe.”

Nancy E. Brock (Williamsville) shares her thoughts about Kelly’s misfortune.

"So impressed are the Bills with [Sheldon] Jackson’s size and ability, they’ve come up with a creative way of giving the second-year player more responsibility. Utilizing Jackson’s blocking and ball-carrying skills, the Bills plan to incorporate him into an H-back — a quasi-tight end who lines up in the backfield."

"Former Buffalo Bills safety Martin Bayless is the team’s new director of player development/special projects."

"They’re getting pretty tough on players this year as far as your weight and body fat go," he said. "(Strength and conditioning coach) Rusty Jones is coming down on us. I think there’s going to be some fines involved this year. It’s going to be the first time since I’ve been here. But (conditioning) is important. It will be good for our team." . . .