The Buffalo Bills traded Joe DeLamielleure to the Cleveland Browns in 1980. Five years and two weeks later, Joe D returned to his longtime home.
After being cut, DeLamielleure and fullback Mike Pruitt were claimed by the Buffalo Bills on waivers. The 1984 Bills were 2-14, which got them Bruce Smith in 1985, but also put them first on the waiver wire after their 0-1 start.
Pruitt played nine years with the Browns prior to being released. He gained over 1,000 rushing yards four times between 1979 and 1983, but was nearing the end of his career, much like Joe D. He only played four games in Buffalo before being cut again. He started two games, rushing seven times for 24 yards and no scores before heading to Kansas City.
Joe D played in 10 games in 1985 for Buffalo, starting three, in his final season. He would ultimately join the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his final season in Buffalo was memorable only for sentimental reasons.