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While touring the stadium I got to see the newly planted outdoors practice field. This is the first year of Jauron’s tenure where a request for the field to be replaced was granted (or asked perhaps). I am going to read into this myself and say the coaching staff has some serious plans for practices outside late in the year. This maybe a minor detail to the naked eye, but the once 3 point spread Vegas gave Buffalo for playing at home has since perrished after consecutive home losing records the past two seasons. This has to change! I was also informed there has been discussion about upgrading the turf although nothing definite had been decided.
After meeting Jim and his brother I had the chance to ask him one of your questions which was ” What is your best memory of being a Buffalo Bill?” Jim responded with: “My best memory as a Bill was the first time I ran out of the tunnel here at the stadium. I was overwhelmed for the opportunity and proud of all my hard work finally paying off.” I was a bit surprised by his answer, because most fans would think the first time they went to the superbowl would be at the top of his memory strand. He also commented on the potential game winning drive of their first superbowl performance to the tune of ” One of my best memories was driving the team down the field into field goal range on the edge of accomplishing everything we worked for as a team. As I walked off the field I felt like I had finally done it” Soon after that he commented: ” But sometimes things just don’t go your way.” AKA Wide Right.
After that I had the chance to sit in on his speech for the kids in one of the luxury suites in the stadium. I was looking forward to asking him some questions after, but god love those kids at the ripe ole age of 14. They actually managed to ask most of your questions here on the Billievers Network. I’ll do my best to list the Questions I received from ALL D on your behalf with his answers.
“…I’d like to know with the current Brett Favre situation going on, after Jim retired from the Bills, how close was he actually from signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers that off-season?”
When asked whether he ever thought about playing for another team Jim responded with ” Never” “I couldn’t imagine having played for another team. Buffalo gave me the chance and stuck with me all the way.”
“Ask him if he ever thought about trying to be an official member of the Bills coaching staff as a quarterbacks coach or heck, even offensive coordinator. When asked about his future with the Bills: ” I remain close with Mr. Wilson and look forward to that relationship continiung.” I am not sure what that means, but take it how you want it.
“You may want to ask Jim how his life has changed since being enshrined into the HOF and how/if that has given him a larger platform to raise awareness for newborn screening programs.” Kelly also touched on his accomplishments off the field. He specifically mentioned his son that passed away and how it made him realize what life was all about. Kelly~ ” I am extrememly proud of the Buffalo area for their contributions to are charity programs.”
Jim was also asked about his thoughts on the Bills this season and the acquisition of Terrell Owens. He replied with: ” I am excited about this year’s team” ” I believe they have a good foundation in place and can be competitive.”
He was then asked about his opinion on T.O to which he replied ” My opinion doesn’t really matter, but one thing I know is it reminds me of when we signed “Jimmy” Lofton.” “That helped our offense tremendously.” ” Regardless of hear say one thing I know is that guy can play football.” ” I also hope it works out for more than one year here in Buffalo, his career speaks for itself”.
Hmmm… and Optimistic Kelly on the T.O signing. I am not going to lie, I loved every second of his discussion about Owens. I actually agree on his comments because you can’t become a franchise cancer when there has been a tumor on the organization for the better part of a full decade (as far as the playoffs are concerned that is). Jim still lives in the Buffalo Area out in Holiday Valley (Elicotville, NY.). Your questions about his intentions for partial ownership investors in place for the team were unfortunately unaddressed. After speaking with my contacts there seemed to be a notion that if Kelly had no intention of being a part of the Bills organization at some point he may have long ago moved to a better year round climate. I was also impressed with the camp as well. Anyone looking to get their children into some good football camps look no further. Well thats all I have on my Adventure to One Bills Drive and Some of the quotes may be slightly off because I can only write so fast, but you can take from it what you like. I know I certainly did!
~Matty Coco