Ralph Wilson jr passed away. He was the last, great owner in the NFL. He was a member of "The foolish club" where he payed $25,000 to purchase the rights to an AFL team. He parlayed that investment into the Billion dallar Buffalo Bills. along the way he ammassed 2 AFL championships and 4 AFC championships. the 4 AFC championships came in consecutive years, something that no other team has done.
Look. I could spout the same boring statistics that many other people will spout over the next week or so, but that isn't all that importaant. What is important is the impact he had. Not just on a city. Not just on the NFL. Not just on his players. I'm mostly interested in the impact he had on the fans.
Ralph cared about the people of Buffalo greatly. Any person who got a chance to talk to him before, or after Bills games knows how down to earth he was.You can't be down to earth if you don't have compassion for the people you're interacting with.
The greatest memory I have of Ralph wa after a football game a few years ago.As my family and I were leaving the stadium, I noticed a golfcart stopping near gate 1 which is the gate I use. I turned around and noticed Ralph was in that golf cart.
I made a slightly rapid stroll back towards the cart and the people that were traveling with him due to his failing health (he was 91 or 92 at the time) said that he wouldn't have a lot of time. Ralph thought otherwise and insisted that he make time to wave to us all and smile that wonderful smile. It warmed my heart to see that.
That trademark smile. I bet anyone living in Western NY could recognise that smile. He always wore it when he was out. Yes, if he thought his team was getting the short end of the stick, he made sure you knew it. He and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue sparred many times over the years. Ralph usually had the last word. Who can forget the statue of an NFL referee Ralph had in his office? You know, the one with the patch over his eye? The next offseason, Ralph changed his vote and replay review became the norm in the NFL.
More recently, Ralph was outspoken against the CBA. Nearly everyone made fun of him. Before deciding he was right and opting out of the agreement themselves. Ralph, it seems, was right all along.
4 days before Ralph Wilson Jr passed away, he was on the phone with Russ Brandon. They were talking about football. What else? Ralph wnted to discuss a player prospect that he thought was a third or fourth round draft pick. Now, less then a week later. Ralph Wilson Jr is gone.
Buffalo lost a great football mind, A wonderful ambassador, and, most importantly, a good friend. He will be sorely missed.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
quick hits
Boy a lot has happened. I don't even know where to begin.
First, Ralph Wilson Stadium is getting an upgrade. Basically a bunch of new bells and whistles to keep "Joe fan" happy. I love the thought of two new video boards and WiFi, but let's not kid ourselves here. The Bills wanted almost double for renovations then what they got. That tells me something. "The Ralph" is not aging nearly as well as we've all been lead to believe. A new stadium is GOING to happen sooner, rather then later. Personally, I'd like to have it right next to the one we have but I don't see that happening. The proposal on the outer harbor seems to be picking up steam with the Buffalo Common Council sending a letter to the NFL saying they will endorse the project, but parking there will be a nightmare. Tailgating will be even harder. I'm still hoping for a dark horse proposal in the next year or two. Keep your eyes peeled on this one.
Doug Marrone has had his first year as head coach in the NFL. His dog was awfully lonely during the season. It's nice to finally have a coach with an attitude on the sidelines in Buffalo. Not since the days of Marv "Over-officious jerk" Levey have we seen that kind of emotion. After the monotone of Jauron and the same answers every week by Gailey, it was a nice change. I hope he's around for years to come.
People are upset that our defensive coaches are leaving for Cleveland? Let them go. We don't want the reputation of a franchise that kills coaching careers. It's hard enough to get coaches here to begin with. If we blocked these guys, the only candidates we'd get are bottom of the barrel guys. If we block these interviews, we might end up bringing Gailey back as our next offensive coordinator. Let that sink in for a minute. . .Yeah, I know. I don't want that either.
I hear people saying EJ Manuel is made of glass because he's had three knee injuries this past season. The only think I can say is at least he didn't screw up his knee walking TO practice like some other big-named quarterback did this year. Look for Kolb to be cut this year either before or during training camp.
Speaking of cuts. If Jeff Tuel is no longer practice squad eligible then I think the Bills will cut him as well. Thad Lewis has shown just enough that placing him on the practice squad means he's playing someplace else next season.
Stevie Johnson is gone. Too many drops at clutch times. Not just last year, but throughput his entire career. Granted, we didn't have as many antics this year as in years past, but it is worth noting that EJ had his best career game when Stevie was hurt.
I think Byrd will sign a contract soon worth 43 million over 5 years with 22 million guaranteed. A little more guaranteed money then he's (reportedly) asking and a lower overall value then he's wanting. I'd also front load his contract so as to keep cap room when we need it down the road.
My pick at 9? Watkins. We need to give EJ all the tools necessary to succeed and he'd be a good start.
Don't let Brandon fool you. The Toronto series in it's present form is over. At the same time, he WILL make his money back somehow. He always does. Ticket prices haven't been announced yet, but I'd expect them to go up $3-$7 a seat, possibly more in some areas ( upper deck corners, for instance) In my opinion, that's a small price to pay for getting our 8th home game back. Let's just hope the Bills don't follow the Lions lead and introduce Variable pricing.
Enjoy the ride, Bills fans. It may be bumpy for a while longer, but I want to go on record right now as saying we will win 9 games next year. Hopefully, that's enough for a Wildcard, but if not, at least our December games will still have some importance to them.
First, Ralph Wilson Stadium is getting an upgrade. Basically a bunch of new bells and whistles to keep "Joe fan" happy. I love the thought of two new video boards and WiFi, but let's not kid ourselves here. The Bills wanted almost double for renovations then what they got. That tells me something. "The Ralph" is not aging nearly as well as we've all been lead to believe. A new stadium is GOING to happen sooner, rather then later. Personally, I'd like to have it right next to the one we have but I don't see that happening. The proposal on the outer harbor seems to be picking up steam with the Buffalo Common Council sending a letter to the NFL saying they will endorse the project, but parking there will be a nightmare. Tailgating will be even harder. I'm still hoping for a dark horse proposal in the next year or two. Keep your eyes peeled on this one.
Doug Marrone has had his first year as head coach in the NFL. His dog was awfully lonely during the season. It's nice to finally have a coach with an attitude on the sidelines in Buffalo. Not since the days of Marv "Over-officious jerk" Levey have we seen that kind of emotion. After the monotone of Jauron and the same answers every week by Gailey, it was a nice change. I hope he's around for years to come.
People are upset that our defensive coaches are leaving for Cleveland? Let them go. We don't want the reputation of a franchise that kills coaching careers. It's hard enough to get coaches here to begin with. If we blocked these guys, the only candidates we'd get are bottom of the barrel guys. If we block these interviews, we might end up bringing Gailey back as our next offensive coordinator. Let that sink in for a minute. . .Yeah, I know. I don't want that either.
I hear people saying EJ Manuel is made of glass because he's had three knee injuries this past season. The only think I can say is at least he didn't screw up his knee walking TO practice like some other big-named quarterback did this year. Look for Kolb to be cut this year either before or during training camp.
Speaking of cuts. If Jeff Tuel is no longer practice squad eligible then I think the Bills will cut him as well. Thad Lewis has shown just enough that placing him on the practice squad means he's playing someplace else next season.
Stevie Johnson is gone. Too many drops at clutch times. Not just last year, but throughput his entire career. Granted, we didn't have as many antics this year as in years past, but it is worth noting that EJ had his best career game when Stevie was hurt.
I think Byrd will sign a contract soon worth 43 million over 5 years with 22 million guaranteed. A little more guaranteed money then he's (reportedly) asking and a lower overall value then he's wanting. I'd also front load his contract so as to keep cap room when we need it down the road.
My pick at 9? Watkins. We need to give EJ all the tools necessary to succeed and he'd be a good start.
Don't let Brandon fool you. The Toronto series in it's present form is over. At the same time, he WILL make his money back somehow. He always does. Ticket prices haven't been announced yet, but I'd expect them to go up $3-$7 a seat, possibly more in some areas ( upper deck corners, for instance) In my opinion, that's a small price to pay for getting our 8th home game back. Let's just hope the Bills don't follow the Lions lead and introduce Variable pricing.
Enjoy the ride, Bills fans. It may be bumpy for a while longer, but I want to go on record right now as saying we will win 9 games next year. Hopefully, that's enough for a Wildcard, but if not, at least our December games will still have some importance to them.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
kudos to the crowd
What a wonderful Sunday it was for Eagle hunting. I think we bagged our limet, to say the least lol
Micheal Vick proved once and for all what a great athlete he was. Some of the moves he put on Bills defenders made me do a double take. He didn't rush for over 9,900 yards in his career by pure luck. The man is a superb athlete. I knew comng into this game that Vick would make it close. I even told my son that "Vick scares me" when the Bills had a commanding lead.
I was right. He almost did enough to overcome all his mistakes and squeeze out a win. Too bad the Eagles got Buffaloed. They got stampeded by an opportunistic Bills defense that forced 5 turnovers. FOUR of them by Vick, himself. Not his best day...
The crowd was really into this game. Even before the kickoff. Eagles fans are notorious for their poor attitude towards opposing team's fans and they didn't disappoint this week either. A group of 4 or five walked past my parking spot at about 11 am and they were screaming about how horrible Bills fans were and what a lousy record we should have, etc. Fortunately, a few large Bills fans were coming over to teach them a lesson. I've heard, and read, dozens of other stories reiterating the same thing. Bills fans protecting their home turf. Kudos, Bills fans. Keep up the good work.
It's my belief that the guy that ran onto the field in the 3rd quarter was an Eagles fan trying to get away from the ravaging pack that is Bills fans. He probably had been shooting off at the mouth all day, and then saw his team trailing by a ton. Rather then exit with grace and class (something Eagles fans don't have anyway) he ran onto the field and interrupted the game. Kudos, Bills fans. Keep up the good work.
Looking ahead, we play the Giants next week. I'm looking forward to this game for several reasons. :
1) my wife is a closet Giants fan and at least one of us is bound to be happy at the end of the day. (too bad it won't be her )
2) Perry Fewell took over for Dicky J. when he was FINALLY relieved of his duities. He didn't get to stay, but he's the coach first coach that thought Ryan Fitzpatrick could be a starter in this league. It was a wise choice that's still paying dividends for the Bills today. I'm wondering how the post game talk is going to go between the two of them.
Good time to be a Bills fan. I never left and have recruited many in my time to join. Here's to making reservations for the playoofs in the near future...
Micheal Vick proved once and for all what a great athlete he was. Some of the moves he put on Bills defenders made me do a double take. He didn't rush for over 9,900 yards in his career by pure luck. The man is a superb athlete. I knew comng into this game that Vick would make it close. I even told my son that "Vick scares me" when the Bills had a commanding lead.
I was right. He almost did enough to overcome all his mistakes and squeeze out a win. Too bad the Eagles got Buffaloed. They got stampeded by an opportunistic Bills defense that forced 5 turnovers. FOUR of them by Vick, himself. Not his best day...
The crowd was really into this game. Even before the kickoff. Eagles fans are notorious for their poor attitude towards opposing team's fans and they didn't disappoint this week either. A group of 4 or five walked past my parking spot at about 11 am and they were screaming about how horrible Bills fans were and what a lousy record we should have, etc. Fortunately, a few large Bills fans were coming over to teach them a lesson. I've heard, and read, dozens of other stories reiterating the same thing. Bills fans protecting their home turf. Kudos, Bills fans. Keep up the good work.
It's my belief that the guy that ran onto the field in the 3rd quarter was an Eagles fan trying to get away from the ravaging pack that is Bills fans. He probably had been shooting off at the mouth all day, and then saw his team trailing by a ton. Rather then exit with grace and class (something Eagles fans don't have anyway) he ran onto the field and interrupted the game. Kudos, Bills fans. Keep up the good work.
Looking ahead, we play the Giants next week. I'm looking forward to this game for several reasons. :
1) my wife is a closet Giants fan and at least one of us is bound to be happy at the end of the day. (too bad it won't be her )
2) Perry Fewell took over for Dicky J. when he was FINALLY relieved of his duities. He didn't get to stay, but he's the coach first coach that thought Ryan Fitzpatrick could be a starter in this league. It was a wise choice that's still paying dividends for the Bills today. I'm wondering how the post game talk is going to go between the two of them.
Good time to be a Bills fan. I never left and have recruited many in my time to join. Here's to making reservations for the playoofs in the near future...
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Relax, everybody
If you had told me we would win three games in September, I wouldn't have believed you.
If you had told me we would beat the Patriots in September, I wouldn't have believed you.
If you have told me we would only give up three sacks in September, I wouldn't have believed you.
If you had told me would lead the league in offense, I wouldn't have believed you.
Kinda puts things in perspective a little bit, doesn't it? Yes, this loss hurts. Anyone who says otherwise isn't a true fan. It doesn't help that the officials make up the rules as the game goes along, but that's for another day (see my sign I'm bringing to the Eagles game. Hopefully Fox picks up on it, but they don't do a very good job of showing any crowd that shows any enthusiasm so don't hold your breath...)
There are two important things that come out of the 4th weekend in the NFL:
1) No team is going to win 15 or sixteen games this year. I'd put the over/under for most wins in a season at 12.5. Parity is alive and well in the NFL, which is how the league wants it. I for one, am thrilled.
2) The NFL has a serious problem. It isn't attendance although the lockout has caused an obvious dip in overall numbers...) It's not revenue (new TV contracts...) It isn't even the Miami Dolphins (welll, maybe . . .) It's the officiating. Tuck rules called on a whim, catches not being corrected on replay, poor ball spotting, etc. I think it's time we locked out the officials and started over.
As for the Bills, how they respond against the Eagles will be very telling for how they do the rest of the year. If they come out flat like they did in the second half against the Bengals, there's no hope of making the playoffs. If they come out, take care of business against a lesser team, then I can definitely see them going deep into the playoffs, which would be very nice indeed...
Saturday, March 5, 2011
CBA extension a good sign
The deadline for signing a new Collective Bargaining agreement was extended 1 week last night. This is good news for fans, and not so good news for the NFL owners who have no real choice after Doty's ruling but to take it on the chin and try for the best possible spin afterwards.
The owners had TV contracts that were written in such a way as to guarantee $4BILLION in income even if there was no football next season. Not a bad little haul to be sure. The NFLPA sued, saying the owners weren't negotiating in good faith and had already planned on having a lockout. Judge Doty agreed. The owners won't get ANY of the $4billion they were planning on.
Is it any coincidence that the owners started making concessions immediately following that ruling? I THINK NOT. Memos came out that stated the NFL restructured tv contracts to"maximize revenue in the event of a work stoppage" The owners have egg on their face and they know it. They should hang their heads in shame, if not publicly flogged.
Here's what I predict will be included in the new CBA.
The owners get 1.4 billion dollars off the top of revenues.
The players get 58% of everything that's left.
18 game season starting in 2012 (with a decrease to 2 preseason jokes, errr...games)
players will need 1 less year of playing time to become eligible for benefits once an 18 game regular season commences. This will be prorated for those already in the league.
The customary pension plan and health insurance increases that ALWAYS happen with new CBA agreements...
There's probably more to it, but this would enable both sides to claim "victory"
The owners get their 18 game season which increases revenue. They also get to claim "we didn't give them just $1billion off the top" bla bla bla
The players get a bigger piece of the pie, increased pension and healthcare, and the can say "We didn't let them take $2 billion off the top" They also have the enormous win from judge Doty's ruling last week.
I'll be interested to see how close my numbers are when the actual numbers come out. I just wish they hadn't waited until the very last minute to settle this thing.
One final note. Ralph Wilson jr was one of only TWO owners who voted against the last agreement. Both were laughed at and scoffed at at the time, but both were absolutely correct.
The owners had TV contracts that were written in such a way as to guarantee $4BILLION in income even if there was no football next season. Not a bad little haul to be sure. The NFLPA sued, saying the owners weren't negotiating in good faith and had already planned on having a lockout. Judge Doty agreed. The owners won't get ANY of the $4billion they were planning on.
Is it any coincidence that the owners started making concessions immediately following that ruling? I THINK NOT. Memos came out that stated the NFL restructured tv contracts to"maximize revenue in the event of a work stoppage" The owners have egg on their face and they know it. They should hang their heads in shame, if not publicly flogged.
Here's what I predict will be included in the new CBA.
The owners get 1.4 billion dollars off the top of revenues.
The players get 58% of everything that's left.
18 game season starting in 2012 (with a decrease to 2 preseason jokes, errr...games)
players will need 1 less year of playing time to become eligible for benefits once an 18 game regular season commences. This will be prorated for those already in the league.
The customary pension plan and health insurance increases that ALWAYS happen with new CBA agreements...
There's probably more to it, but this would enable both sides to claim "victory"
The owners get their 18 game season which increases revenue. They also get to claim "we didn't give them just $1billion off the top" bla bla bla
The players get a bigger piece of the pie, increased pension and healthcare, and the can say "We didn't let them take $2 billion off the top" They also have the enormous win from judge Doty's ruling last week.
I'll be interested to see how close my numbers are when the actual numbers come out. I just wish they hadn't waited until the very last minute to settle this thing.
One final note. Ralph Wilson jr was one of only TWO owners who voted against the last agreement. Both were laughed at and scoffed at at the time, but both were absolutely correct.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Kids day at the Ralph
 |
| I'm ready to go in |
 |
| Come ON Dad, let's go in!!! |
We arrived early, like we always do. Arriving early was especially important this week because the Bills had several activities for the children going on. Even more important then that, there was ice cream available.
The ice cream was our first stop.No children can pass up Ice cream (for that matter, neither can an adult lol)
 |
| I have no idea what's going on, but I've got my thumb so it's ok |
We entered the stadium and found that we were too late for the BillsBandz give away (insert sarcastic awwww here ) They were given away to the first 10,000 kids under the age of 14 so it was going to be difficult to get a set anyway.
The game was very exciting. It was nice to be back at the Ralph again. The girls enjoyed cheering and hollering every time the Bills scored which, given the 35 points that were scored was more then all of last year. Halftime featured a flag football game with various local mascots. If you payed close attention, Billy Buffalo's head came off when he dove for a touchdown. Good thing we told the girls he was just a man in a costume.
 |
| Billy Buffalo hadn't lost his head yet... |
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| HELP!!!! We're stuck in a bounce house!!! |
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
OK, so it's been longer then I'd planned before I blogged again. I've been busy with work and trying to spend time with my family. Hopefully I'll be more disciplined as we move forward.
I've watched both preseason games...twice. The first game (VS. Washington) reminded me of all that was wrong with this team when DJ was the coach. The second one reminded me of all that COULD be right with this team now or at least in the near future.
RUNNING BACKS: Spiller's a game changer, no question about that. he stated after game one that he wasn't ready for the speed at this level and was taken aback by it. Definitely looked better in game 2. Hopefully someone tells him that it's faster during the regular season then it is now so he'll be prepared for it. Jackson and Lynch are hurt, but they'll be fine once they get healthy.
WR Some definite improvement. Lee showed signs of brilliance against the Colts. Probably to make up for his lack of effort against the 'Skins. Say what you want, he should have made an effort to get to the ball before it was intercepted.
QB If the season started this week Trent would be the starter, followed by Brohm, and then Brown as a last resort. Fitzpatrick would be cut. His accuracy is horrible How he won any games last year is beyond me. Don't let the door hit you...
Maybin is in danger of being cut, too. Another failed draft pick by the old regime...
Only a few more days till the first game of the year at the Ralph. We'll b e there with bells on looking forward to a great experience. I'll have pictures if all goes according to plan.
I've watched both preseason games...twice. The first game (VS. Washington) reminded me of all that was wrong with this team when DJ was the coach. The second one reminded me of all that COULD be right with this team now or at least in the near future.
RUNNING BACKS: Spiller's a game changer, no question about that. he stated after game one that he wasn't ready for the speed at this level and was taken aback by it. Definitely looked better in game 2. Hopefully someone tells him that it's faster during the regular season then it is now so he'll be prepared for it. Jackson and Lynch are hurt, but they'll be fine once they get healthy.
WR Some definite improvement. Lee showed signs of brilliance against the Colts. Probably to make up for his lack of effort against the 'Skins. Say what you want, he should have made an effort to get to the ball before it was intercepted.
QB If the season started this week Trent would be the starter, followed by Brohm, and then Brown as a last resort. Fitzpatrick would be cut. His accuracy is horrible How he won any games last year is beyond me. Don't let the door hit you...
Maybin is in danger of being cut, too. Another failed draft pick by the old regime...
Only a few more days till the first game of the year at the Ralph. We'll b e there with bells on looking forward to a great experience. I'll have pictures if all goes according to plan.
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