Connect with us

Buffalo Bills

Impressions of My First Trip to Buffalo

Published

on

Being a Bills fan in Missouri for the last 34 years hasn’t been the easiest. From wearing blue on Chiefs “Red Friday,” to paying for the NFL Ticket year-after-year, to getting harassed Monday mornings every time the Bills lose a heartbreaker; being an out-of-market Bills fan can be hard, but maybe the hardest part about it is not being able to watch your team in person with a stadium full of other Bills fans. I’ve seen the Bills play in person countless times in Arrowhead, but getting harassed while paying incredible amounts of money for a ticket isn’t worth it for me anymore.

My Bills fandom started in the summer of 1989 when I went to stay with my grandparents for a week in the small Kansas town of Leoti. My grandfather took me to the local bank and introduced me to Steve Tasker, who played high-school football with my dad in the late-70’s. Steve shook my hand, asked me my name and signed a piece of paper for me, “Matthew—Best wishes & be good! Go Bills!”

This encounter with the Special Teams Ace HOOKED me and embarked me on my three-and-a-half-decade and counting love affair with the Buffalo Bills.

My 7-year old son, Henry, has followed my footsteps and claims the Bills as his favorite team too. This past May, his mother and I asked what he wanted for his birthday. He didn’t hesitate—“I want to see a Bills game in Buffalo!”

My son’s exuberance was all I needed to finally pull the trigger on making the trip. My wife and I decided the best weekend to go was October 1 versus the Dolphins. So we booked flights, Air B&B, tickets and a car.

We flew into Buffalo JUST in time to meet Steve Tasker at the BFLO store, which was within 10 minutes of the airport. Steve was gracious, talked to Henry and took pictures. I met Steve Tasker at the age of 7 and so did my son. Pretty cool.

From there, we stopped at Duffs for some wings and beer and then drove up to Niagara Falls. The Falls were better than advertised and my son recited all the trivia that he had read about them to me and his mother—including the amount of people to survive going over the falls and the fact that over 3000 tons of water flow over the falls every second!

After Niagara Falls, it was time to go to our Air B&B. I was a little skeptical when my wife reserved our place as it was the third floor of a 110+ year old house close to Amherst Street. But once we met Lou, the owner and his family, we knew we’d love our stay.

We’d had our weekend plotted out in advance, but Lou connected us to some of the hidden gems of Buffalo. He suggested Wellington Pub for wings and beer (it was incredible) and then hitting up the Hurtel Street Festival. The festival was perfect. It saw most of Hurtel Street blocked off with vendors, a band and many open establishments that the whole family enjoyed.

Finally, Sunday had come.  We got to Highmark Stadium early to park, meet up with our concierge, Lance (Built in Buffalo President) and take in all the sights and sounds that is a Bills Tailgate and it was better than advertised.

I met up with several friends I’d made over the years on Twitter, drank from the cannonball in the Hammers Lot, took pics with the family in front of the Bills Mafia house and enjoyed awesome food and drinks provided by Gameday Hospitality Buffalo.

It was the perfect pre-game and I was sad to see it end, but the plan was to go into Highmark Stadium by 11:30am so that we could get settled and just take in the aura of the place I’d envisioned in my head being at for decades.

We sat in the 9th row of section 102. Everyone around us was warm and welcoming—they were so excited that we were at our first Bills game in Buffalo and we heard so many incredible stories from several season ticket holders.

Finally, the game started and everyone knows the outcome—the 48-20 dismantling of the Dolphins! 

As we said our goodbyes to the people sitting around us and left the stadium, the energy was something I’ll never forget.  My hand hurt from the high fives.  I couldn’t keep the smile off my face watching the Bills Mafia in unison spreading positive energy—much of it was alcohol-fueled, but it didn’t matter.  THIS FAN BASE IS THE BEST!

When we got back to the house, Henry played with Lou’s son on the trampoline while Lou’s family and mine had a couple Labbott Blues and talked Bills football.

We then went out and had some excellent wings and beers in Allentown before calling it a night.

The next morning I took Henry to the Buffalo Zoo, which was only a 10-minute walk from our house. Just like everywhere else, everyone was welcoming and warm.

We then packed up and headed to the airport, where we sat down at Anchor Bar for ONE LAST order of wings and Blues. Just as we were getting our food, I spotted Bills legend, Drew Bledsoe. I worked up the courage to have my wife snap a pic. The perfect ending to an incredible trip.

I wasn’t lying when I told some of my close friends from Kansas City that I’d had the best weekend of my life.

I will be back.

I LOVE YOU BUFFALO!

Buffalo Bills history geek living in Kansas City area. Operator of @HOFSteveTasker on Twitter.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Buffalo Bills

Bills Sign Receiver Chase Claypool

Published

on

The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of veteran wide receiver, Chase Claypool today.

Claypool, a four-year veteran, played nine games with the Dolphins last season after being traded from the Bears to Miami.

In twelve total games in 2023, Claypool had 8 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown with a 38.1% catch percentage—the lowest numbers of his career.

The Bills hope to capture the success of Chase Claypool’s first two seasons in the NFL where he career where he averaged 60 receptions for 866 yards and recorded 11 total receiving touchdowns. 

Claypool joins a Bills receiving room that includes rookie Keon Coleman and veterans Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir and Mack Hollins.

Continue Reading

Buffalo Bills

Bills Pick Up Greg Rousseau’s Fifth-Year Option

Published

on

Rich Barnes/GettyImages

The Buffalo Bills have picked up the fifth-year option for defensive end, Greg Rousseau. 

Greg Rousseau was an enticing 6’ 6”, 265 lbs defensive end out of the University of Miami. Rousseau was taken by the Bills in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at pick 30, ever since then, Rousseau has been a large contributor in the Bills defense.

Rousseau will make $13.4 million in 2025, the fifth-year, and will make $2.3 million this upcoming season, which is a part of his four year rookie contract.

In the 2023 regular season, Rousseau played 16 games where he had 42 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 4 passes defended. In his three years with the Bills, Rousseau has 17 sacks and 129 tackles. Greg Rousseau was second in terms of tackles on the Bills defensive line last season. 

The Buffalo Bills current defensive ends consists of Greg Rousseau, Von Miller, AJ Epenesa, Javon Solomon, Casey Toohill, Kingsley Jonathan, and Kameron Cline. 

Continue Reading

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills 2024 UDFA Tracker

Published

on

Robert McDuffie/USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills finished their draft with ten new players added to the roster. However, the fun didn’t stop there for General Manager Brandon Beane and company. As they do every year, all 32 NFL teams rushed to sign their favorite undrafted free agents once the draft concluded. Buffalo came away with 11 undrafted free agent signings so far, along with 10 rookie minicamp invites. Let’s take a look at all the new signings and players invited:

Undrafted Free Agents

Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr.

We all know legendary running back and former Buffalo Bill, Frank Gore. While his playing time is done, his sons is just getting started. Gore is a 5’8″, 201 lbs back that knows how to find ways through holes and has good contact balance. He’s plays a bit slower than his 40-yard dash time tells, but he should be able to make a good run at the final-53.

Ohio State WR Xavier Johnson Jr.

Xavier Johnson Jr. is a 6’0″, 202 lbs wideout. He’s an exciting player that can do a little bit of everything. He’s not the biggest, fastest, or strongest. Although, he can be a great special teamer – both as a gunner and returner – but he’ll need to work on his receiving attributes, if he wants to fit into an NFL offense.

Tulane WR Lawrence Keys

A smaller receiver, Lawrence Keys comes in at 5’11”, 170 lbs. Keys is a versatile wideout that can take a screen to the house or track a deep ball downfield. He’s a bit undersized, but it’ll be interesting to see if the Bills see him as a special teamer with the potential to be used in creative ways offensively.

Auburn OL Gunner Britton

Britton is a massive lineman coming in at 6’6″, 312 lbs. He has long arms and quick feet while excelling in the passing game. He’ll play through the whistle, but his agility and athleticism limits his ability to be consistently dominant.

Campbell OT Mike Edwards

Edwards is a gigantic tackle that comes in at 6’7″, 355 lbs. He knows how to use his size as he’s not afraid to lay a big hit downfield. His feet are great but his size limits his athletic ability. He’ll need to improve his run block and hasn’t played against top talent, leaving some questions.

Utah OG Keaton Bills

A player that was born to be a Bill. Keaton Bills is a 6’4″, 321 lbs guard that was projected to be a draft pick by many. His feet never stop moving and is very in control of his body while engaged in a block. His size makes it tough for him to consistently get out of his stance. He’s got the name to be in Buffalo, but he’ll need to prove it in camp.

Miami DT Branson Deen

Branson Deen is a 6’2″, 280 lbs defensive tackle that comes in after never playing a full season of college football. He has a good mix of pass rush moves and excels in the run game. He’ll need to stay healthy to make this Bills team but has the ability to be a force despite being a bit undersized at the position.

Houston EDGE David Ugwoegbu

The former Houston edge rusher, David Ugwoegbu, comes in at 6’4″, 250 lbs. David has a long arms and big hands, helping him chase down ball carriers and wrap up. He’ll need to work on angling but also has the ability to be an inside linebacker. The Bills will need to decide how they view him and would like to use him.

Oklahoma EDGE Rondell Bothroyd

Bothroyd is a 6’4″, 277 lbs edge rusher that knows how to get after the quarterback. His quickness off the line stands out and keeps his balance while engaged with blockers. He isn’t elite in any one area and will need to become a very well rounded edge rusher if he wants to have a long career.

Western Michigan CB Keni-H Lovely

Keni-H is an athetic 5’10” corner that is terrific at mirroring wideouts. He has to add some strength to make up for his lack of size, but can go up and get the ball. Lovely is an interesting UDFA that could fit as a depth piece for the Bills that can line up outside and in the slot.

San Diego State P Jack Browning

After being a zero star recruit, Browning finds his way in the NFL after a playing both kicker and punter in college. His versatility could earn him a spot on the practice squad, but it’ll be hard for him to crack the top-53. He has a great leg as a kicker, but is more known for accuracy as a punter.

Rookie Minicamp Invites
  • Troy QB Gunnar Watson
  • Kansas TE Mason Fairchild
  • Wisconsin OL Michael Furtney
  • FIU DT Jack Daly
  • South Dakota LB Stephen Hillis
  • Jacksonville State LB Kolbi Fuqua
  • Clemson CB Sheridan Jones
  • Arkansas CB Al Walcott
  • Furman CB Travis Blackshear
  • Syracuse DB Jason Simmons
  • UB K Alex McNulty-Romaguera

Continue Reading

Trending