Evening Open Thread: Where Camaraderie Is Born

1. Doug Flutie – I know I’ll get some people shaking their head but he’s the guy. Growing up in Canada I saw alot of Flutie and really enjoyed watching him play. Everyone said he was too small to go back to the NFL and that he had his chance. I’m a huge fan of underdogs, and when my favorite team (The
Bills) signed him I was so happy and we all know how well he did. That Jacksonville game was almost like the ending of the movie Rudy for me.

2. Winnipeg Jets game when I was little. I grew up in the sticks so never went into any cities. I thought the Winnipeg Arena was amazing when I first walked into it (probably the ugliest old barn in actuality). Jets won 7-5 with Selanne(my favorite player) scoring a hat trick. With the team coming back this year it’s been crazy exciting.

1. Bruce Smith – Im not sure I have to explain this. I think he is the best defensive player I’ve ever watched and I doubt I will ever see a Bill dominate as much as he did ever again.

2. I saw Michael Jordan’s return to the Garden to play the Knicks out of retirement when he dropped 55 points. I was with my brother and uncle and it was truly seeing greatness with my own eyes. Im a die hard Knicks fan but what he did that game back from retirement was so incredible I could not help but be in awe. I walked out of that game knowing I saw something special.

1. Bruce Smith. The best defensive end in the history of the NFL. No other 3-4 end will ever come close to his sack record. If only Smith played in a 4-3.

2. 1999 Sabres season, attended a home-and-away against the Penguins. Buffalo tied Pittsburgh 1-1 in Pittsburgh, and then went down 3-0 to the Pens at home. The Sabres came back in the 3rd period and won in overtime. There was a sense in the building that day that Buffalo had something special that year. And they did.

1. Don Beebe- During the Bills four year superbowl I was still a very young and didn’t know a whole lot about the Bills, especially growing up in San Diego. But I was extremely fascinated and loved the Bills because of my parents. Beebe became my favorite Bills player mainly because his last name was my nickname growing up, BB. All my friends would call me BB during football games and all other shenanigans. He was also a receiver, which is what I was good at.

2. My first Bills game. Being in San Diego, the Bills rarely come and visit so when they were finally scheduled my dad and I had to go. I was in 6th grade. It was also my first NFL game. The atmosphere was awesome, but the game ended with the Bills losing on a last second field miss by Steve Christie. Wide Right.

1. Steve Tasker. The dude was everywhere. If ever there was a player that deserved to be in the HoF for special teams ability alone, he is it. He is a fantastic commentator, too!

2. High School Football State Championship, 1999… I went to Canandaigua Academy, and got to see my high school football team win the state championship. The most amazing thing was the way they won. It was a close game, a defensive struggle, and in the end we won with a last second field goal.

1 My favorite bills player I am not sure. Since I always prefer playing defense in sports it has to be a defender. Since when I played lacrosse I broke three sticks on people it defintly has to be a defender. I would go with bruce smith.
2. My favorite bills memory has to be my first game I ever went to and it was me and my dad. Lots of people left but we stayed and saw buffalo come back 26 points.

1.) Steve Tasker. He reinvented special teams based solely on guts. And he’s coming to Batavia in 2 weeks… I’m psyched!

2.) Back in the early ‘90s, my mom worked security at the Aud and would sneak me into a few games a year. In 1992, I was roaming around the locker room area with her and passed by the Sabres dressing room to find Clint Malarchuck working around with a teammate (I forget who). For whatever reason, Clint was lying on the floor, on his back, legs in the air and balls to the sky. He panicked so bad when he saw a female security guard and her 12 yr old son watching that he farted and rolled, red-faced into the dressing room. At least, I think it was ’92, I forget and I’m too lazy to look up his career stats to find out what his last year in buffalo was…

1. No doubt Big Bruce. What he accomplished as a 3-4 was nothing short of incredible. He was such a force and a joy to watch terrorize opposing offenses. Plus, I always thought it was hilarious that such a large, intimidating man could could have such soft, hi-pitched voice! Oh yeah, his “Bad things Man” commercial cemented him as my all time fav. You now how much grass I had to cut to get those shoes?

2. Without a doubt, it has to be my first Bills game. I snuck into town to surprise my sister for her 40th birthday. An old HS buddy of mine has season tickets and took me to the MNF game in ‘07 vs. the Cowboys. Seats were in the upper row in the lower bowl of the Ralph, on the 50 yd. line. Just under where Ralph sits (I think) — perfect for game viewing. The atmosphere was electric, and you can only imagine how hard the Ralph was rocking throughout that game. My buddy even called T. McGee’s KR for a TD before it happened. Sadly, we all know how that game turned out, but MAN what a rush that was!

1. Don Beebe- I was still real young when Beebe was on the team and made the logical decision that any young kid makes; like the player with the same name as you. As I got older and learned more about him it made me appreciate Beebe as a player… and of course the whole leon lett thing. MAN WAS HE FAST!

2. Singing the Alma Mater after football games. I know some people hate Notre Dame, but there is something about sticking around as people are leaving to stand with your friends and your school and singing “Notre Dame, Our Mother.” Even after a loss it is special. I know it’s not one game or memory, but definitely my favorite.

For favorite Bill.
1. Jim Kelly. He was the last QB to call his own plays. He helped create an offense that only great QB’s can run successfully. He was one of the best, if not the best QB we ever had.

2. Coolest thing I ever saw was when the Bandits beat the Philadelphia Wings in sudden death to win the cup in the MILL indoor Lacrosse Championship. The electricity at the stadium was insane. That was so much fun. The anticipation before the goal was scored was insane. So much fun. I had hoped to experience that with the Sabres and/or Bills. IT was a testimony to how hard work and playing for each other can bring a team together.

1. Thurman Thomas – he made the K-gun go. An amazing talent that put Buffalo over the top.

2. Many moons ago when Buffalo ended the infamous streak against the Miami Dolphins. At that time we still sucked but at least we ended the streak.

Bob Kalsu – I shouldn’t have to explain.

1 jim kelly the dude was a linebacker playing quarterback one of the best qbs ever

2 my first time at the ralph Marino vs Kelly so cold that Marino didnt play the second half

1. Kent Hull – When it comes to football, there is nothing I respect more than someone who goes out and gives their best effort game in and game out. Kent Hull was so consistent and was just a stand up guy and a respected leader.

2. My favorite live sporing even that I attended was probably the Raiders v Bills game of this year. Most people thought the Bills were going to get blown out, but they came back and scored that late touchdown (David Nelson) before almost losing it on the hail marry. What a game

1.) oj simpson as a kid. probably andre reed as an adult.

2.) being in the endzone as rob houghtlin kicked a field goal for #1 Iowa Hawkeyes to beat the #2 Michigan Wolverines 12-10 in 1985

Favorite Bill: Jim Kelly. He was the best. But my 2nd favorite is Eric Moulds. My name is Eric, I was #80 in high school. Just always loved the way he played.

Game 3 OT winner JP Dumont vs Ottawa to go up 3-0 in the series. That place was in-freakin-sane.

Sergeant Major Thor: “Hi, I’m SMT, and I have a problem.”

Rumblers: “Hi SMT!!”

SMT: “Well, this is my first meeting, I’m a bit embarrassed but, I’m a Billaholic. I watch the Bills every Sunday, read Rumblings at least every other day, I actually watch the Senior Bowl, and draft day to me is like Christmas.”

Rumblers: “Its okay SMT, let it all out.”

SMT: “Well, that’s all I have to say for now. I’ll just sit down and try and listen and learn from the rest of you.”

Rumblers: “Thanks for sharing with us SMT!!!”

1.) Bruce Smith, for similar reasons as have been stated.

2.) The final game of a season in which I coached minor league baseball in the league in my town. My kids started the year 1-10, but had put together a 4 game winning streak to close out the season. The last game, we were down by a run, and our big hitter came up to bat against the opposing team’s best pitcher. He hit a triple, driving home two runs, and we won. We all ran out to meet the runners as they came home, ending the game (as it was the bottom of the last inning). Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces was the greatest memory I have from the season.

1: Thurman Thomas. He was the most fun to watch in my impressionable youth.

2: This year’s Section V, Class D state football championship at the Carrier Dome, when my cousin’s Letchworth team shut out Chester 27-0 to win it all. Jordan’s verbally committed to Cornell for next fall, so I guess it’s time to get familiar with the Ivy League!

1. Kent Hull. He made me want to play OL (that and the fact that I was 250 lbs in 9th grade).

2. The Johnny Oates led Rochester Red Wings championship clinching game at the old Silver Stadium in 1988. Listening in the stands to Joe Altobelli calling that game.

2a. Any Amerks game.

Terrell Owens
No just kidding, but sadly that is my only Bills Jersey.

1. Jairus Byrd: I wasn’t around to see any of the great Bills play. So right now my favorite player is Byrd, the best player on this team, but Dareus may soon over take him. And if Stevie stays he is definitely up there.

2. The Pats game this year was awesome. I have been to a lot of games the past 8 years, but to come back 21 down and beat the Patriots was absolutely amazing to be there and watch it happen.

1) Bruce Smith. I’ve always enjoyed watching great defenses, and I have never seen a single player dominate a game like he was able to. I might be drinking the kool-aid, but I firmly believe he is the best d-lineman of all time. Reggie White is up there, but Bruce did it in the 3-4!

2) It’s a tie between the (in)famous Bobby Knight “My critics can kiss my _” game and Mark Buehrle’s first no hitter.

My father and I used to go to an IU game every year. I was too young to remember most of it, but I remember staying after the game and listening to Bobby honor the seniors. Things were getting pretty emotional, and then Bobby said what he said and everybody went nuts. I knew I would always remember that moment, for better or worse.

The Buehrle game was special. I was getting my haircut that afternoon and my barber offered me 4 tickets to the Sox game. I had finals the next day and an essay to finish up, but I decided to take a break and drive an hour to US Cellular. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) drove up from Ball State (3 hours away), my brother dropped his plans and decided to come, and the biggest Sox fan I know got the other 3 tickets. It was amazing. I don’t even really like baseball that much, but I will never see anything like that again.

Great idea, guys, I was just thinking about how I don’t know anybody and how I am jumping on people and their opinions far too much. I promise to relax and do my part to keep Buffalo Rumblings as one of the best blogs out there.

1. Wow, this is a tough one. I’d have to go with Jim Kelly. The amount of respect I have for a guy who called his own plays but would regularly call or audible to running plays is immense. Also just watching him pick apart a team with ease, take his hits, and get right back up. That guy was awesome and b/c of the QB play we’ve seen since, seems even more awesome now. Honorable mentions though are Thomas, Smith and Bennett (who I’m surprised has not gotten more mention.

2. Best memory of a live sporting event – it was 2001 Sabres Flyers OT win (Curtis Brown scored) by the Sabres. I’ve never been in a more euphoric place than the arena and outside the arena afterward. Sabres went on to win in 6 with an 8-0 victory in the clincher.

1. Thurman Thomas, if not only because I played a lot of Tecmo Bowl.

2. I’ve never seen any of my teams actually win championships, but I’ve seen two of them win Semifinals games live. I’d have to say those two games were fabulous experiences. They would be the Colorado Mammoth winning 13-12 over Calgary in 2006 to eventually slaughter Buffalo (sorry guys) in the final and the Colorado Rapids winning against the Earthquakes 1-0 back in 2010. Watching the Rapids win the MLS Cup final in 2010 at a packed bar was probably my favorite sports moment of all time so far.

1. Bruce smith he once said “i havent found a job where i get paid millions of dollars and can go out and beat the s*** outa someone and not go to jail for it” <——-says it all

2. my first yankees game at the orginal yankee stadium as a kid

1. Steve Tasker – I love to cheer for the “blue collar” type players and he is that and then some. He helped redefine special teams and made teams gameplan for him. He should be in the HOF

2. I actually have 2 different ones. The first was as a young kid, the ‘72 Canada – Soviet series. School stopped and we all went to the gym to watch it on a small B&W TV … it was everything. The second was as a teenager when my dad took me on one of his annual roadtrips to Rich stadium. He and a bunch of work buddies would rent a bus, leave early, stop for drinks and steak breakfast once they crossed the border and then had a great time in the end zone at the game. Don’t remember who they played, or if they won, but it doesn’t matter.

Probably have to be don Beebe or Steve tasker, the Rudy’s of the bills. Earliest live sports event would’ve been jr high seeing the saint John flames (calgarys ahl farm team)

1. Bruce Smith. I loved how he played. He wasn’t dirty, he played 100% every play. I wanted to be number 78 when i played football, but wore 70 instead.

2. Best sporting event memory was watching the Detroit Lions play the Philadelphia Eagles in Veteran’s Stadium in 1997. Both teams sucked, but I got to see Barry Sanders play…that was cool for me. And i also got a taste of how Philly fans are when i wore my Bills Starter Jacket to the game and was told by drunken fans “the Turn Pike is THAT way, kid”

1. Darryl Talley, just liked the way he played, his passion and emotion.

2. Rugby League game 1993, when my team the Balmain Tigers were playing against the Canberra Raiders (the town I grew up in) and the Tigers came back from 20 points down to tie in the final minute with me and my buddy cheering all the way.

1. I’m tempted to say Steve Tasker. I grew up playing football with his son and know his family personally. Fantastic guy and an equally good football player, I wish I would have been old enough to remember more than his last season. As far as Bill’s that I remember well, I would have to say Eric Moulds.

2. When I was younger I went to game 3 of the Stanley Cup against the Stars… I was too young to really appreciate how rare of the thing watching your favorite team play for a championship is.

Jim Kelly – Dude was just a competitor to the max. Loved his style.
Honorable Mentions – Reuben Brown and Antoine Winfield

I went to a Yankee game when I was 10 years old or so, for some reason I made a sign that just said DARYL on it (Daryl Strawberry). That day he hit 3 home runs.

1. Jim Kelly because of the gunslinger that he was, we were never out of it, an amazing will to win! Thurman Thomas is a real close 2nd, kind of what Fred Jackson was the 1st half of this year, time 10!!!

2. The Championship game against the Raiders because of the emotional dominating performance and that my wife and I got to see Ralph being interviewed by O.J. in his box, my dad gave us his season tix, thanks for the memory dad :)

Aaron Schobel. I never saw the greats such as Kelly, Smith, and Reed so one of my favorite players before he retired was Schobel. When I used to play Madden, I would control him by default so I started looking for him in real games. I remember him doing really well in several games and I loved him ever since.

It’s not a Bills game (I’ve never been able to go even to a regular season game) but a memory from a live sporting event would be the Rochester Razor Sharks Championship Game a few years ago. One of our players dunked, and the glass shattered. It was pretty awesome.

Favorite Bill’s player would be OJ Simpson, he was electric:) Best memory of team was going to Rich stadium with my grandfather back in mid seventies. I believe they played the Pats. I played football from pee wee to high school and loved the game. Going to a pro game was to me then and now, a great experience. Unfortunately I live in Seattle so next game will be there probably, but wish I could see my Bill’s instead.

1. Thurman Thomas inspired my 5 year old self to run through the house carrying my little Bills football.
2. The first major sporting even I ever attended was a Yankees-Mariners game at Yankee Stadium when I was about 8. I was absolutely obsessed with Ken Griffey Jr. and showed up at the game with my typical-90’s looking Griffey player shirt with like three faded images of Junior’s signature swing. I have no idea who won the game, but I will never forget watching Junior hit two bombs into the centerfield bleachers. Unbelievable feeling to have reality live up to your expectations for an athlete’s performance.

I have had lots of favorite players for each years’ team and just can’t choose one. I am biased towards Mike Jasper since he went to HS with one of my nephews and is a friend to my youngest son. My son goes to any Jasper get together he can because there is a fringe benefit that celebrities sidekicks enjoy, if you get my drift.

Also many memories of sporting events but, despite losing badly 35-13 to the Vikings on Dec 20, 1975, O J Simpson scored to break another one of Jim Brown’s records with his 23rd TD, in a 14 game season to boot. It was snowing so much they barely were able to clear sideline and yard markers.

Player: Don Beebe- I was a fast little kid and wanted to run like him. I remember my little sister cried the morning we saw on Sports Center that he had signed with the Panthers.

Favorite game I went to in any sport: My first Bills game- home opener against the Patriots in 1993. I recall three TDs for Andre Reed, a Russell Copeland punt return TD, and a crushing Bruce Smith sack on Drew Bledsoe (his first NFL game) that NFL Films likes to show in slow motion to this day. My family lives in Philly and driving to Buffalo for the home opener was our annual family vacation every year from 1993-2004. We tried Disney World and Buffalo, NY and all five of us preferred Buffalo, NY by a mile. Our neighbors thought we were crazy.

Favorite Player – Eric Moulds – I grew up in a family that did not like sports at all, so when i was old enough to start making my own identity (4th grade i think) he was the Bills 1st round draft choice (1995). After that i loved his style of physical style of play and the fact that he never let anything on the field. Even if he wasn’t a model citizen.

Favorite Live Event – My first Bills game. My Dad took me to the game (he eventually realized that my liking of the Bills was not a fad and gave in) and it was Dan Marino’s last game against the Bills. We ended up winning and, I’m pretty we knocked him out of the game, but it was the end of an era. The Bills vs Dolphins rivalry hasn’t been the same since, at least in my mind. That and it was a December game, so it gave me an appreciation for how cold the stadium actually get in the winter, and therefore a better appreciation for the fans who go to the games.

1. Tie – Kelly/Thomas/Smith/Reed – I LOVED all those guys. Pretty much the whole team during that timespan, I mean Talley, Hull, Lofton, Beebe et al. That is why I will always be a diehard Bills fan. I guess if I had to pick one it would be Kelly, watching him struggle with his son’s illness really made him more human to me then most players.
2. I didn’t get to go to many live sporting events. My dad used to take me to Oneonta Yankee Games, which I loved. I got to watch John Elway play.

Bruce Smith: I don’t remember him too well because I was just a kid when the Bills were in their glory days, but as I grew up and learned more about football, the more I learned about him as well. Smith was the reason I played DE in high school. I wanted to sack the QB just like he did.

Favorite Memory: I haven’t been to too many live sporting events so my selection here is limited. Marshawn Lynch’s TD pass against the Bengals was pretty good. I sat in the 300 section of the Ralph when the team played against the Patriots and the weather was so cold and windy that the goal posts leaned all the way to one side. The best moment however would probably be watching UB beat Drexel in the NIT tournament a few years ago. UB has never been that much of a sports school, but that year Alumni Arena was electric and the team responded. It was probably the only good game a saw as a student there.

I have a couple of thoughts on this topic. I’ve gotten in some heated discussions here, as I’m sure most people have from time to time. I know that I entered those discussions with another well-meaning Bills fan and while we sometimes agreed to respectfully disagree, it didn’t always happen. I’m sure that will happen again, because I’m not the only very passionate Bills fan here with opinions. But I wouldn’t ever form permanent impressions of any other fan here because of an argument that got bitter that way. I just think that’s important to state.

Now I do respect some members of the site more than others, because respect is earned. But it can also be earned again. I recall a situation on a different SBNation site where I made a fool of myself, but I’ve been forgiven by the person since then. That was a chance for me to learn to be a more tempered, patient poster, and if I have the opportunity to give others here a second chance, I’d always be happy to do that.

Thanks for bringing this to the forefront, again.

1. O.J. Simpson. I saw many games as a kid (11-14) from ’72 to ’75 while living in Rochester, and the Juice was obviously the main attraction. Every time he touched the ball, everyone held their breath waiting for something extraordinary to happen, and it often did. He was electric and probably got me hooked on football and the Bills.

2. Super Bowl XXV. I couldn’t believe we made it to the big game. I had a longstanding bet with my dad that he’d take me to the game if the Bills ever made it, and he made good on his promise many, many years later. Yeah, we lost. But I’ll never forget the excitement I felt in that stadium, nor the 10 minutes or so it took me to be able to regain my senses and get up and move after that horrible ending. And except for the kick, it was a tremendous game.

Fav Player:
Bruce Smith, there hasn’t been another like him for the Bills or any other team.

Fav memory:
McNabb’s last game in the Carrier Dome when the Orange put up 66 points against Miami. Too bad Florida destroyed the Orange in the Orange bowl a few weeks later.

Bruce, with an honorable mention to J. Ferguson, who by the way as of a couple of years ago coached for a team in N. Louisiana somewhere. Being from SW Arkansas I hear his name in the sporting news every now and again.

I dont get to see much of my Bills live living in the south, but I try to get to a game when I can. My first was three years ago in Tennesee, Nothing much special happened but being my first live bills game and being able to share it with my son it will always be a great memory. The two things I remember most about the game was F. Jackson throwing a TD pass, and TO being wide open when T. Edwards threw one of his I believe three INT in the last quarter. TO walked of the field shaking his head in disbelief. This also gives me the distinct honor of being one of a few Bills fans that can say they saw the last game Dick Jauron coached as a Bill live. Thank God that is behind us!!

1) Tasker – the only Bills Jersey I have is from 1990, when I was a Junior in HS and I was given a gift certificate from my friends to buy a jersey from that store in Boulevard Mall I can’t remember. I loved his hustle, heart, and intensity. He brought it every play in every game and did whatever was asked of him, including playing receiver and kick returner. I really wish he makes the HOF. Honorable mentions go to Joe Ferguson and Jim Kelly.

I’ll answer 2 in 2 parts:

2a) Buffalo memory – Sabres v. Bruins 1993, Game 3. Hawerchuk’s game winning goal in OT. Incredible atmosphere and the precursor to “May Day” and the monkey of 10 years of playoff futility disappearing …

2b) UNC vs. Duke, 2005. I (and a fellow BR poster) attended that game, where Carolina came back from down 9 to win. Considered the loudest the Smith Center ever was in it’s 20+ year history. It was the game that led to the Heels making their run to the 2005 national championship. Plus it was senior day for a group of kids who endured an 8-20 season just 4 years earlier. I ended up with my mug (albeit quite small) in the book “Let By Their Dreams” in the section discussing that game showing a pic of the students rushing the floor.

1. Lots to like from bruce, talley, kelly, thurm, to beebe makin that catch and bouncing off his head. Currently its chanting MVP when Moorman takes the field. Sitting where i do on the tunnel side a few rows up. I remember saying a few choice things to Pacman jones and him flipping me off.

2. the best current memory has to be purposing during halftime this year during tebow mania. find a girl that can sit through a bills game week in an week out she has to be a keeper haha.

1. Bruce smith. I think he is the best defensive player ever. I’d play sand lot football and draw a #78 on my t shirt.
2. ive never been to any sports event except minor league baseball .. but im hoping to catch my first bills game with my son this year.

Steve Tasker. An average joe that did extraordinary things! He once revealed that the secret of his success was early to rise, early to bed. Even he couldn’t figure out why other, “better” players couldn’t take his place. Then he realized, that was it. They just celebrated a little TOO much. As for the other question, I met Pele’ when I was seven. I fell down the stairs at the old war memorial stadium during a Lancers game. (I played in a youth league, had just come from a game, and my cleats were unlaced) The Cosmo’s locker room, and player’s doctors, were closest. Security took me there, and Pele’ came in to cheer me up! that will always be my greatest childhood sports memory.

#2: I was at the game 1/2/00 with my dad when the Bills beat the Peyton Manning-led Colts 31-6. Andre Reed moved past Art Monk into second place behind Jerry Rice in the league with 945 career catches. Thegame immediately before our last post-season game.. which was ultimately unfairly decided..

1. Thurman. Though I’m way too young to remember watching him I won’t forget the encounter I had. As a tiny kid at training camp I finally got to the front of the line with my dad to get an autograph from Thurman. A middle aged guy pushed his way in front of me, and Thurman promptly told him to stop being a jerk. He then greeted me happily and signed the Bills hat I had with me (which I still have). Class act, and obviously one of the best we’ve ever had.
2. Storming the court with my classmates last weekend as our overmatched Notre Dame basketball team took down #1 Syracuse. I know that’s probably not a popular memory here, but it was absolutely incredible.

My real name is Michael.

While I have lived in Western NY nearly all my life, I’ve lived in the actual city of Buffalo for about 15 years.

Favorite old school player : Andre Reed
Favorite new school player: Jairus Byrd

Favorite all time Sabre : Pat LaFontaine……whoops…..this isn’t die by the blade :)

As a Bills fan since the early 60’s there has been so many great players and moments that I have enjoyed…

The most exciting player I ever saw play live has to be O.J Simpson… When he ran the ball the whole stadium would stand and start chanting Juice Juice Juice!! You could tell when he started getting on a roll ripping off 5~6~10 yards at a time then BAM he would break a long one as the crowd went wild!

Greatest Moment is when I became a life long Bills fan… As a kid my older brother took me to see the Jets play the Bills in “63” at the old Rockpile. Cookie Gilchrest ran wild over the Jets with over 240 yards rushing an score 5 TD’s as the Bills crushed the Jets. I’ve been on the Bills wagon ever since…

Greatest game I ever attended was SB XXV, again I got to enjoy it with my older brother. All I can say is it was a phenomenal experience even though they lost…

.

would have to be……Henry Jones. Loved watching that guy play safety for some reason.

I honestly couldn’ t call it. (Till the Bills win a superbowl, then I can call it lol)

Is noticeably missing with his favorite Bills player and sporting event moment, as well as a MRW.

1- Bruce. Kelly would have got it if not jumping ship for the 1st couple yrs. I went to FSU in the 80’s & to watch Bruce utilize the golf cart during training camp, and then come out and dominate game after game in the season was incredible.

2- Lots but had to be the May Day Goal. Had 1st row golds on the blue line & never have felt that much energy as when Brad burned Borque & the goalie for the sweep.

1. Jim Kelly. He grew as a both a QB and person during his Buffalo days. A tough, passionate player. I miss those days.

2. Can’t say it was a happy occasion, but I was at the infamous Steve Bartman game at Wrigley. I witnessed one of the most devastating moments in sports history. Happier time: Bills beating the Pats this season, and watching disinterested bar patrons in Madison WI become interested and cheer on the Bills as they beat the Pats!

now give me s’mors lol

Favorite player: very tough question but would have to go with Jim Kelly. Great player and leader.

Favorite sporting event memory would have to be the only Bills game I saw in person. We beat the Houston Oilers 35-7 on Monday night football. I was probably 13 years old at the time and my Dad took my younger brother and I to the game. Seeing our faces as we walked into the stadium made our Father’s day. We had 12 row side of the end zone seats. What a night. We even met and talked with Frank Reich for about 30 minutes in the parking lot.

My all-time favorite football player. I just loved the way he played the game. Fearless going over the middle and was pretty clutch too. He better make the Hall of Fame this year.

My favorite sports memory would be the game that still stands as the Coldest Game in Bills History. My dad took me for my 12th birthday and it was the first NFL game I’d ever attended. Just seeing everyone simultaniously freeze their butts off and have the time of their lives watching the Bills beat up on the Raiders really painted a picture for me of what being a Buffalo Bills fan is all about.

Thurman Thomas is my all-time favorite Bill. Why? Simply because he could do it all, and did it better than nearly everyone else. There was always something about his facemask too, Not many players used that configuration and it made him immediately recognizable from just that white line of bars over the line of scrimmage.

Likely my favorite memory from a live sporting event has to be the playoff game vs the Chiefs in 1993. Thurman ran roughshod over the Chiefs. he was unstoppable. Bruce, Phil, and Jeff removed Montana from the game…nearly in front of our seats at the 35 yard line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrio6WEgW0o

That game was a highlight for me because it was the last home AFC Championship game for the team. As most of you will recall, it was that win that sent them to their fourth and final Super Bowl – a game that at half time felt winnable. If only the game ended at that point.

Anyone ever hear about this game, or better yet experience it? Know someone who attended?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bills_(AAFC)

This has been a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Here in North Buffalo, we call it Cheektavegas, though I’m not sure why we do. Probably because of the crappy strip club at the corner of Union and Transit.

Favorite Bill: Bobby “Hands of glue” Chandler. I think it all depends on when you became a fan and for me it was the 70’s when I was a young kid. He wasn’t fast, but it seemed he ALWAYS caught the ball. RIP Bobby.
Favorite Memory: Not even close. Being at Rich Stadium (before it became the Ralph) when the Bills FINALLY beat the Dolphins after going 0 for the entire 70’s decade. That was easily the best live sporting event I ever saw. Tearing down the goalpost and passing it up the stands is a sight I’ll never forget. The weather was also perfect that game.

1. Bruce Smith
2. MNF Dallas game in 2007 – It was the most electric crowd i’ve ever been around, incredible! It was also heartbreaking!

Just want to say that being 3,000 miles away from my “home” team, I appreciate this blog and the chance to join a conversation on the Bills.

And Bruuuuuuuce definitely comes to mind as a favorite player, especially in light of the recent lack of pass rush.

Brian — keep up the good work!

Pete Metzelaars. I know I’m weird, but I have always loved the TE position. In fact, the only jersey I own, is his. How could you not like a huge, red headed dude with a sick mullet!?!

Most exciting sporting event I ever went to was the Sabres-Bruins game on new years day just over a year ago. That was my first NHL game… and I don’t follow hockey until the playoffs, but always have a rooting intrest for the sabes, and hate anything boston or philly. It was a guys night out, took a limo from Rochester to the game, were 4 rows from the ice. That was a great game, back and forth scoring, overtimes, then went to the shootout where Buffalo got the victory!!! It was such a great game, I feel like if I ever go to one again, it can’t possibly measure up to that game!

Most exciting sporting event I ever went to was the Sabres-Bruins game on new years day just over a year ago.

Was game 5 4/22/93

A 5-3 win! The Aud was electric! Unfortunately, the Sabres lost the 2nd round series in triple overtime in game 7.

The Sabres suck this year.

With the Bills sucking for so long, the Sabres saved me each year once football was done.

But this year they both suck.

1) Best Bill all-time…
I have always liked the linemen that do the dirty work. Right now it’s Bruce Smith by a mile, but before him it was Conrad Dobler….he was just an animal in there and played hurt almost all the time it seemed but it was all heart. Blood, sweat and tears….
2) I have no real positive memories from ANY sporting event I attended….honestly. Every single sporting event I went to the team lost. I began to think I was a jinx or something, so I kinda just shied away and just watch on tv or radio. Call me superstitious…..

To hear people talk about their Bills fandom, their favorite players and games. It is awesome. I LOVE IT!

Great idea Galliford!

Best thread ever!

I really love

Everyone telling their stories.

1. Trent Edwards – much to the chagrin of many here. I really wanted Trent to be the guy here and I dont really think he got a fair shake, but I admit to being biased as well. Its a shame that things started out so great and then totally collapsed for him.

2. I dont know if this counts but back in Oct 2007 I was the WR Coach and passing game coordinator for a Frosh team and we were playing the cross town rival who had won like 15 years in a row vs us. We ended up winning 22-14 and I personally got to call two plays that I created and installed which led to touchdowns for us. I was so happy for myself and for the other coaches and players. For one night we were no longer the little brother. I remember the Var. Head Coach coming down after the game and talking to the team and thanking us for our hard work. It was the only game we were to win that season, but I remember taking a picture of the scoreboard afterwards and just sitting on the field and knowing that I had found my place…I was where I was supposed to be. That team and those 35 guys on that day will always be a fond memory for me.

1. Trent Edwards – much to the chagrin of many here. I really wanted Trent to be the guy here

I wanted so bad for hi,, to get the job done, he just didnt. He was really likeable, but in the end……its the results that count.

Fav Bill: Thurman…the man was a freak.
Fave memory – being in the US for work. We had a rest day in Washington and the Redskins happened to be playing the Bills. It was the game after Shaun Taylor was killed. Fred tore the first rush for a big one. The Lindell won with a field goal in the last second….awesome day!! I will never forget.

Favorite Bill: OJ. I am surprised at how many people have agreed with me. I used to think that I was the only one to be able to separate his playing days and performance from the fiasco that I think his life has become. I do think we are in the vast minority though. Anyhow, I loved to see him run. He was strong, fast, and elusive.

Favorite memory: I am torn between two. The amazing 77 seconds against Denver and the comeback game. The Denver game…everything happened so fast, I don’t think anyone knew what was happening. I had never been so excited in my life. The thing that I remeber about the comeback game is the feeling I got after the Bills scored their FIRST touchdown. It seemed to me like the cheers in the stadium just exploded. I remember first thinking it was just a bunch of “Bronx cheers” but moments later feeling like it was the loudest I had ever heard. I then thought to myself, “I may be crazy, but that felt like genuine enthusiasm, maybe they can pull this off.” I told my buddy this, and he thought I was nuts. With each ensuing TD, after we scremed like crazy, he just shook his head and we laughed.