ICYMI: Happy New Year: Doug Marrone Walks Away from Bills

Raise your hand if you thought the Buffalo Bills would be looking for a new coach after their 1st winning season since 2004?

Yeah, nobody else did either.

Now former Bills head coach Doug Marrone took advantage of a 4-day window to opt out of his contract with his team Wednesday night and walked away. He...or his agent had the clause put in his original contract in case the team was sold. Which happened this fall.

It surprised his players, observers and others. But don't expect Marrone, who has been very successful in rebuilding the Bills team in his two seasons as head coach. He'd been trying to negotiate a contract extension with new owner Terry Pegula, but apparently that discussion was not getting very far.

And, despite his choice to walk away, Marrone will still get his $4 million dollar payday from Buffalo whether he coaches or not. And most think that is exactly what will happen. Speculation has already begun he will interview in New York with the Jets, a team he spent time with as an offensive line coach.

As for the Bills, they have plenty of options as well. Already we'd say the leader in the clubhouse would be former Bills QB Frank Reich, currently a quarterbacks coach in San Diego.

But we could be wrong.

Here's coverage from our surprised friends at WIVB-TV

Johnny Manziel Finally Gets To Play And Scores Cleveland's Only Touchdown

Johnny Manziel Scores Against Buffalo

Well Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine did it.  Pettine went to the bullpen and pulled
starting quarterback Brian Hoyer after a sub par performance against the Buffalo Bills.

Johnny Manziel came in to give the Browns offense a boost and he did including scoring his first NFL touchdown the way you expect Johnny Football to.

Manziel ran it in to get the Browns to within 10 points.



Of course Johnny Football flashed the money sign after he scored what turned out to be Cleveland's only touchdown of the game.

Manziel's final numbers were 5 of 8 for 63 yards and rushed for 13 yards.

Hoyer's numbers were 18 for 30 for 192 yards and two interceptions.

Needless to say the Buffalo Bills won the game 26-10.

DEVELOPING: Bills-Jets May Move From Buffalo (UPDATED: Yep, It's Moving)

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

With all the snow that is covering western New York and Governor Andrew Cuomo asking everyone to stay inside "pretty, please" the thought of a football game on Sunday afternoon at Ralph Wilson Stadium is a longshot at best.

So, with a little leeway to think about it, the NFL is debating moving the game to either Detroit, Pittsburgh, or Washington to get it in the books this weekend.

Adam Benigni discusses...
The thought is Monday night for a kickoff, but the Bills have to be able to get out of town. The team hasn't practiced in two days and would need to get transportation out of town to whatever locale will host if it is not Orchard Park. Interesting math frm the Bills front office: Bills officials said Wednesday that it takes about three days to remove one foot of snow from the stadium and surrounding areas. At the rate the snow is falling, that cleanup would take 18 days. So, don't go holding your breath on a Bills home game. PM UPDATE: Yep, it's moving... According to Adams Caplan and Schefter at ESPN, it's not happening Sunday and they may not get their November 30 game played in Buffalo, either, because of the amount of snow inside Ralph Wilson Stadium.

And the final idea is that the game will be in Detroit on Monday night...

Provided, of course, the Bills can actually get there...

Buffalo Bills Mario Williams Brings Backhoe to Dig Out Jim Kelly's Driveway

((ht: instagram/jillmkelly))

Haha! This is an epic moment highlighting what is nothing less than an epic snowstorm overwhelming the people of northwestern New York.

Check out this Instagram video shot by former Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly's wife Jill.

The video shows Jim talking about the ungodly amount of snow on their driveway, then Jill pans the camera left to show a backhoe there to help plow/clear it.

The driver of the backhoe...Current Bills Defensive End Mario Williams.

Seriously...

I think the snow is getting to him!  LOL😂💦💦💦 Possibly a bit of cabin fever. Not sure exactly! Just trying to dig out! Thank you David Kern and  @bbwolf94 YOU DA MAN!!!

A video posted by Jill Kelly (@jillmkelly) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:01pm PST

Need Some Extra Cash? Clear Snow At Ralph Wilson Stadium In Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills posted this tweet Wednesday afternoon.

Want to help clear the Ralph? We're looking for snow shovelers. Pay is $10/hour + game tickets. Call 716-636-4840 for details.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) November 19, 2014

There's more, according to WIVB-TV game tickets are included if they work a certain number of hours.

Western New York is getting hammered with snow and the Bills are scheduled to play the New York Jets Sunday with a 1:00 pm kickoff.

By the looks of the photo below from Buffalo Bills.com a few are taking advantage of the deal.

BuffaloBills.com

The NFL said in a statement: “We are working with the Bills to determine the status of the stadium.  If a change to the schedule needs to be made, the league will make the decision, working closely with the club and local authorities.”

The team estimates that 220,000 tons of snow will need to be moved by game time.

That's a lot of snow.

It gives us in the OSG HQ to dust off this video of the 1948 NFL Championship Game.




Or the Lions/Eagles game from last season.

Try And Sell One Of Those On The Black Market

((HT:WSVN-TV))

It's not very day the HQ does a story like this one...

For those of us who work in live event television, we need to function with one of those 40 to 50 feet long that has a lot of cameras, bells and other associated whistles, and the folks that go with it.

The NFL Network is in Miami getting ready to do the Dolphins-Bills game and all the other ancillary programs that go with Thursday Night Football.

But, the folks at NEP are responsible for the television production truck. The only problem is that the truck that was doing all the lion's share of the work was lifted from a gated hotel.

Nicole Linsalata is outside the hotel with the story of something you can't hide or hock.
WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

ICYMI: NY Jets With Worst Trick Play Ever

Folks, the New York Jets are a crappy football team. Despite their near constant presence on the Sports TV wrap-up shows, they are a bad football team. They don't have nor have they earned the right to have that much coverage. Nobody outside New York...and maybe not even there based on a recent Facebook poll cares anything about them.

That all being said, this is visual proof of just how sad the J-E-T-S are. It's a really, really bad attempt at a trick play on a kickoff return during their 42-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

The Jests had T.J Graham lay down in the "Green" end zone, wearing his green Jets jersey during a kick that landed deep in the end zone with the thought that new acquisition Percy Harvin would throw it to him as he suddenly sprang to life.

Yeah...

It didn't go quite that well. Harvin got the ball, tried to run out of the end zone and before he could wind up...was tackled on his own 2 yard line.

Good bye Rex Ryan, it was nice doing stories about you:

Pegulas Approved As New Bills Owners

((HT: WIVB-TV))

To the tune of $1.4-billion...

The Pegulas needed three-quarters majority approval from the other NFL 31 owners plus the Wilson Family Trust. Ralph Wilson Jr. died back in late March and bids were taken in July.

Bidders included Rogers Communications with Jon Bon Jovi as front man, Donald Trump, and the Pegulas.

On September 8, they submitted their final bid. It turned out to be the highest sale price for a team in league history.

The Pegulas also own the Buffalo Sabres and are looking to build a new lakefront development to incorporate a Bills arena, entertainment complex, and hopefully a new football stadium.

Here's part of the wait from New York City


The Pegulas will be using a wire transfer to take care of the sale price.

The funny part is that there is a $25 fee that goes with the money attachment and the Trust can't take checks...

Buffalo Bills Sold to Sabres Owner Pegula

((ht: buffalonews.com))

It's official and it's not likely you'll see the Buffalo Bills leaving upstate New York for anything other than a home game in the foreseeable future.

The estate of late team owner Ralph Wilson reached an agreement to sell the team to the Pegula family Tuesday afternoon reportedly for $1.1 billion.

Terry Pegula is the owner of the NHL Buffalo Sabres.

There had been much discussion and hand wringing among the Bills faithful that the team, which had been playing a game or two a year in Toronto, would be sold to a group that would move them permanently to Canada.

That won't happen now.

Pegula and his wife Kim released a statement through the team Tuesday afternoon saying in part:

“Kim and I are humbled and honored that the Wilson family has chosen us to be the second owner of the Buffalo Bills. Pending the NFL approval process, being the next owner of the Buffalo Bills would be a great privilege for our family. Ralph Wilson left an indelible mark on our community and we will strive every day to honor his legacy.

Our interest in owning the Bills has everything to do with the people of Western New York and our passion for football. We have knowledgeable, dedicated fans here and along with our ownership of the Buffalo Sabres, it is gratifying to reassure these great fans that two franchises so important to our region are both here to stay."

The couple added they wouldn't comment further until the sale, which is expected to go through, is approved by the NFL at their next meeting Oct. 8th.

The Bills also released a full statement:

"Subject to the approval of the NFL owners and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the definitive agreement calls for the Pegula family to acquire all of the interest in the Buffalo Bills franchise from the Wilson trust. The parties intend to submit the agreement for approval by the NFL owners at their meeting in New York City on October 8.

Buffalo Bills Controlling Owner Mary Wilson said, “This is a very important day in the history of the Buffalo Bills franchise. Ralph brought professional football to Buffalo in 1959 and it was his life’s passion. He loved his team and he cherished the fans and his legacy will remain for all-time. Ralph would have been pleased with the sale of the team to the Terry Pegula family, who has been so committed to Buffalo and the Western New York region.”

“I sincerely wish Terry and Kim Pegula all the best with the Buffalo Bills and I’m happy for all Bills fans. Our hope is that this great franchise brings them as much excitement and joy as it did for Ralph and that they bring home a Super Bowl championship for Bills fans everywhere. Go Bills!”

And there ya have it--

WGRZ-TV in Buffalo brings the early TV story:

Bills Fight Again At Camp, Marrone Upset At Bills Fighting Again At Camp

((HT: The Fumble Sports))

Another day, another fight at Bills camp...

At least, they're feisty...

This time, center Eric Wood and rookie defensive end Bryan Johnson exchanged punches at the end of a play during goal line drills.
Here's Crystal Marie with a look


Head coach Doug Marrone said he has no place for fighting in camp and on his team. He ripped into the team after the Wood-Johnson fight and had them run sprints as a reminder how much Marrone didn't like what was going on.

Wilson Family Gets 3 Bids Under $900M

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

It looks like the Buffalo Bills might be Terry Pegula's to lose...

After the review of a few of the opposing bids for the franchise, all three of them were under a billion dollars- and the Bon Jovi bid is on, according to the Toronto Sun, "life support..."

Pegula's bid is listed, by Forbes Magazine, at $890-million. The Bon Jovi/Toronto bid is $820-million, and Donald Trump's is listed only at $809-million. Tom Golisano is thinking about submitting a bid, but it will be up to the Ralph Wilson Trust as to whether or not they will accept any bids.

Here's the latest on the sale

The final bids are set for the next two weeks...

Until the deadline is shifted again...

Bills Practice Ends With Full Scale Brawl

((ht: wgrz.com))

What is it this year with training camp fights in the NFL?

Yeah, sure, we know...it's part of the game--guys trying to prove their manliness and all that. We get it.

But at some point, someone is going to hurt themselves.

It nearly happened to the Falcons when 2nd round pick Ra"Shede Hageman bruised his hand in a practice fight. Hageman though initially he'd broken it.

That being said, check out the Pier 6'er that broke out in Pittsford, New York at the end of this mornings practice for the Buffalo Bills.

Eric Wood and Bryan Johnson throw punches and then TE Scott Chandler jumps in to help Wood. The fight ends in a pile on the ground.

The Brawlin' Bills have one last practice left in camp...on Thursday and have an exhibition game Saturday afternoon. It's doubtful there will be any discipline...

Donald Trump First Up For Bills Bid Discussions

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

The bidding process is now moving to the meet-and-greet phase for the groups that want to have the Buffalo Bills as a part of the corporate portfolio.

There are concerns that both the Trump and Bon Jovi groups may have violated the rules in negotiations by going public in disclosing the bid numbers publicly.

Trump's first bid was in the neighborhood of a billion dollars- and, according to Al Michaels, is all cash
The Bon Jovi/Toronto bid was a little north of that and they may not be able to go any higher
Terry Pegula is rumored to be in the neighborhood of $1.3-billion and he could go higher if he thinks he needs to

And, now, it appears Tom Golisano may add his name to the pile after all

Here's the latest out of Buffalo

We're just getting started and don't be surprised if another name is added to the mix for the purchase before we're done.

Bon Jovi Tries To Clear The Air About The Bills, Goodell Almost Comments

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

The three groups that are chasing the Buffalo Bills ownership are getting to the next stage.

The Terry Pegula and Donald Trump groups are ready for Round 2 vetting and the group that is causing the most concern is the group that includes Jon Bon Jovi and the two Toronto backers- Rogers Communications and Larry Tanenbaum of MLSE.

Bon Jovi took to the Buffalo News to try and dispel the notion that, if his group gets the winning bid, they will exercise the lone option year buyout in 2020 to move the franchise to the T-Dot. Part of the deal to buy includes not moving the team during the tenure of its lease agreement and the Trust not being able to negotiate with a group whose intent is to move the franchise.

The open letter to the paper included:

“My family and I are prepared to make this life-changing commitment to be part of the Bills. This is not a hobby or an acquisition. Building a winner on and off the field will be job one and I intend to spend as much time on the ground in Buffalo as needed to accomplish that goal.”

Naturally, a lot of fans are skeptical as are some of the Bills ex-players.

Here's a long live shot from Adam Benigni where the Commissioner addressed the issue, but didn't...

The local Bills fans making a push to exclude the Bob Jovi group are quick to point out that nowhere in the letter did the rocker mention his two very rich partners in his "plan" for the future.

Three Bidders Meet First Bills Deadline

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

However, former Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano didn't meet the first deadline. He still could throw his name into the hat if the trust overseeing the estate of Ralph Wilson extends the deadline.

The three are:

Donald Trump

Jon Bon Jovi in concert (pun unintentional) with Ed Rogers of Rogers Communications and Larry Tanenbaum of MLSE- they would keep the team in western New York, but obviously, would want games at SkyDome

Terry Pegula- current owner of the Sabres

Here's a look at the Pegula bid
John Kryk of the Toronto Sun has a look at those who came close, but didn't do anything by yesterday's deadline: "...bond investor Jeffrey Gundlach explored placing a bid, as had C. Dean Metropoulos, owner of the Pabst brewing company. And Western New York developer Scott Congel had mulled bidding either alone or with someone else, merely to aid his objective to build a new Bills stadium as part of an immense, multi-pronged redevelopment of a large property his family controls in West Seneca, just south of Buffalo."
Look for the trust overseers to start vetting the ownership groups over the next week or so.

Kelly Tough! JK Is Out Of Radiation Treatment

((HT: Jill Kelly))

This was what awaited Jim Kelly as he exited the hospital today after his radiation treatments came to a close

Post by Jill Kelly - Author/Speaker.

How cool is that...???

Never Forget On Memorial Day: The Story of Bob Kalsu

((HT: ESPN/NFL Films))

The HQ has seen people wish for it to be a happy holiday today and, having family who served in WWII and Korea, who wanted to serve in Vietnam but were too old, we fail to see it as such...

It's a day to remember, be reverent, and never forget why we are a part of the greatest political experiment in the history of this or any other planet.

To remember the day, we choose to re-tell the story of the only active professional football player to die in combat- Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Bob Kalsu


We fail to see why veterans are treated as shabbily as they are and we also fail to see the profound lack of respect they're shown at times as well. It disappoints, but sadly, it's part of our dynamic.

All the HQ asks is that: When you see a vet, someone who is serving, has served, or any of their families give them thanks.

We wouldn't be here without them...and we don't think that's hard to do...

Jim Kelly Readmitted To Hospital

((HT: Jill Kelly))

As of three hours ago, Jim Kelly was readmitted to hospital for cancer treatments...

This was released by the family as an update...

The HQ will keep the Kellys in our thoughts and prayers...

The Buffalo Bills Love Clemson Playmakers. Bills Select Sammy Watkins At #4, Joins C.J. Spiller

Sammy Watkins

Four years ago the Buffalo Bills were infatuated with former Clemson playmaker C.J. Spiller. Another talented Tiger was on the board for 2014

The Bills coveted Sammy Watkins but their number nine draft position was too low for a football player with elite speed and great hands.

The Bills would need to make a bold move and did trading draft positions with the Cleveland Browns for this year draft and giving the Browns their first and fourth round picks in 2015.

"We went into this draft saying we were going to be bold, and we made a bold move." Bills President and CEO Russ Brandon told the Buffalo News.

I couldn’t be happier to put on the @buffalobills Royal Blue and Red and rep #OurColors, @TideNFL! #Spon
— Sammy Watkins (@sammywatkins) May 9, 2014

That also means Watkins is now teammates with C.J. Spiller who provided similar thrills for Clemson fans.

"This is just unbelieveable." Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.  "Two of the greatest players in Clemson history are now teammates."

Swinney added, "This could not be a better situation for Sammy.   The first thing I said to Sammy's mother is that he could not have a better mentor than C.J. Spiller. He'll show Sammy the ropes."

WOW that pipeline of Clemson boys run deep in buffalo
— Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) May 9, 2014

In fact a total of five Clemson Tigers are on the Bills roster now that Sammie Watkins has been picked. Safety Jonathan Meeks and offensive linemen Antoine McClain and Chris Hairston were the Bills colors.

Not that the Bills are looking for a quarterback but Tajh Boyd is still on the board.

Sammy Watkins! Bills mafia bih
— Tajh Boyd (@TajhB10) May 9, 2014

Mark Gaughan and Tim Graham from the Buffalo News say this move by the Bills means they want to win now and make a playoff push.

Buffalo Jills Manager Releases Statement On Bills' Influence, Commish Wants Buffalo Stadium Options

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

Admittedly released in time with the NFL Draft tomorrow in New York City, the manager of the Buffalo Jills cheerleader squad is coming out and agreeing with the lawyer of the co-defendants in the current court case involving minimum wage violations and unethical conduct.

Stejon Productions President Stephanie Mateczun suspended operations after the lawsuit was filed and is now speaking out against the Bills and their lack of accountablility. She released a statement that included:

The Buffalo Bills own the trademark for the Jills; they control the field and everything that happens on that field, from the uniforms the cheerleaders wear to the dances they perform. Yet the organization appears content to attempt to wash their hands of any connection to their own cheerleading squad.

The Buffalo Bills management operates a football team valued by some at nearly $900 million. If people believe they don't maintain influence and control over every part of their operation, including their cheerleaders, they are mistaken.

Here's the new interview with the lawyers in charge of giving soundbites until further notice
A sixth former Jill has filed a separate suit and is encouraging other ex-Jills to join- according to James Staas' article in the Buffalo News, there are already 200 former Jills in line. The Bills are not named in the case, and it is considered class action.

In another team-related note, commish Roger Goodell said today that he is looking for a more-intown, up-to-date stadium as the team moves forward in western New York. The design firm AECOM has been given until mid-July to figure out three or four sites for a possible-new stadium for the Bills.