Inside The Bills

Graham hosts skills camp Saturday

Drive by Williamsville South High School Saturday, May 25, and you’ll see the football field transformed into what looks like an obstacle course of football activities.

That’s because Bills wide receiver T.J. Graham is hosting his second annual “T.J. Graham High School Skills Challenge,” a track meet style football camp with drills similar to what athletes go through at the NFL combine.

How did Graham come up with this challenge idea? It all started when he had the opportunity to participate in one while in college.

“I had an opportunity to participate in a college all-stars stills challenge, but my agent suggested it wasn’t a smart idea in case of injury etc.,” Graham told buffalobills.com. “I went to sleep that night quite bitter, and I woke up with the idea that if I can’t make it to the challenge, there are probably hundreds of other kids who won’t have the opportunity to participate in something like that either. I wanted to bring it to those athletes.”

By going to tjgrahamskillschallenge.com, (a website built by Graham himself,) you can register your team for the challenge. How does it work? Each team is stacked with eight players: running back, quarterback, wide receiver, offensive lineman, defensive lineman, linebacker and two defensive backs.

Teams choose a name and compete in different obstacles testing football skills. Teams are scored on performance, and have the opportunity to win some really cool prizes.

Along with building the website, Graham has done all marketing and leg work on his own with the help of two friends. He has secured some impressive sponsors, and has great prizes for winning teams.

T.J. hopes that even though it is a competition, athletes still have fun.

“My message to athletes is to have fun- football is fun,” said Graham.

There’s still time to register your team for the T.J. Graham Skills challenge. Visit tjgrahamskillschallenge.com, and check out his promo video.

Win a scholarship to the Jim Kelly Football Camp

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is providing 10 lucky Bills fans with a full scholarship to the Jim Kelly Football Camp at Ralph Wilson Stadium June 23-June 27!

Click here to enter your child or loved one. Children ages 8-18 are eligible.

Spiller hosts annual football camp

This weekend, Bills running back C.J. Spiller will be hosting his 2^nd annual C.J. Spiller Life Skills Football Camp at Clemson University.

The camp is for 5-8 grade students focusing not only on football fundamentals but off the field facts as well.

“I always wanted to give back to the communities where I grew up,” said Spiller. “I want the students to learn about nutrition, how to handle themselves off the field, academics and respect.”

Spiller is excited to return to his alma mater, and expects a large turnout.

“It’s nice to go back to Clemson,” said Spiller. “I always receive a warm reception. Everyone always congratulates me on my career. It’s like a home away from home.”

Easley inducted into HS Hall of Fame

(Bills WR Marcus Easley with High School Football Coach Craig Bruno.)

This past weekend, Bills wide receiver Marcus Easley had the privilege of being inducted into his high school’s Athletics Hall of Fame during the 21^st annual Burnell High School Athletics Hall of Fame & Senior Athlete Recognition Banquet in Stratford, Connecticut.

Easley, a 2005 graduate of Burnell High School was recognized for his achievements in football since his time at Burnell.

Easley was presented the award by his high school football coach, Craig Bruno.

“It’s a real distinguished group of athletes,” said Easley. “To be recognized, to leave a legacy, and to know that people can read about me 50, even 60 years down the line means everything to me.”

In Easley’s honor, a plaque will hang in his High School, joining the other Burnell High School Athletics Hall of Famers.

K. Williams receives Ed Block Courage Award

This past Thursday, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kyle Williams received the 2012 Ed Block Courage Foundation Award at a dinner ceremony held at Giancarlo’s restaurant in Williamsville.

Williams was nominated by his teammates for the award, which honors player’s commitment, sportsmanship, and courage both in the locker room and in local communities.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats accepted the award on Williams’ behalf.

The fourth annual gala, was held by Bills community partner Gateway-Longview at Giancarlo’s restaurant (5111 Main St., Williamsville.)

EJ’s a family guy

Obvious first impressions of EJ Manuel -he’s a family guy. Last night, Manuel was overcome with emotion, as tears filled his eyes when he was drafted by the Bills in the first round.

Manuel’s mother, Jackie was also overwhelmed with pride and joy. Jackie has something else to be proud of,she’s a breast cancer survivor and has been cancer free for weeks.

In his first press conference at One Bills Drive, the new quarterback describes what it was like to have his family and mother present last night.

“It meant a lot to have my mom there in good health,” said Manuel. “She has been working for the past four weeks and gotten back into her normal everyday thing that she does. To go out across that stage and see her when I came back from it just meant a lot to me. She has made a lot of sacrifices just as my dad has, too. This is not just an EJ one, it is a whole family one.”

Sure, being drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft is a special moment, and Manuel wanted nothing more than to share the experience with his family, creating memories to last a lifetime.

“I chose to go to New York not just for myself, but for my family. I wanted my family to enjoy the draft process. I wanted them to have some type of feeling to always remember that day, that night. To be picked in the first round meant a lot to me. To have my whole family there meant even more.”

Ralph Wilson Foundation donates to Clinical Sciences Center

The Ralph C. Wilson Foundation helped celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Roswell Park Clinical Sciences Center, Thursday.

The foundation donated one million dollars to the new Clinical Sciences Center as a member of the Circle of Ten.

Bills Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning Mary Owen helped break ground on the project this morning, as the construction began on what will be an 11-story, 142,000 square-foot Center.

The facility, located on the corner of Michigan and Carlton, will offer enhanced clinical care resources to help RPCI save lives and find cures for cancer.

For more information on the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, visit ralphwilsonfoundation.com.

Jackson on Spree’s ‘Most Beautiful People’ list

He’s a star on the field and off, and this April the Buffalo Spree has recognized Bills running back Fred Jackson as one of the “Most Beautiful People.”

In the write-up, Jackson answers questions about Western New York, the offseason and family.

View the article here.

NFL Foundation Launches New Site

This week, NFL Chief Executives and Club Presidents announced that the NFL Foundation launched its new website, www.NFLFoundation.org.

“The NFL Foundation’s new website is an asset that will assist us in carrying out the Foundation’s mission – a dedication to improving the health and safety of sports, youth football and the communities in which we live,” said Mary Owen, Buffalo Bills Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and a member of the NFL Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re looking forward to using this site to support  football players of all levels and ages as well as the community at large.”

Those interested in learning more about the Foundation’s work can visit the site at any time. In addition, information about the NFL Foundation’s grant programs is available on the site. NFL Foundation can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

A. Williams reads to 3rd graders

Bills CB Aaron Williams spent some time this offseason reading to elementary school students.

He posted this to his Instagram:

McKelvin gives back to high school alma mater

This January, USA Football Selected Bills CB/KR Leodis McKelvin as a member of its USA Football All-Fundamentals team for special teams. Today, Ware County (Ga.) High School benefits directly from that news, as Leodis has donated a $1,500 equipment grant to his alma mater’s football program, which will be used to purchase new shoulder pads for its players.

“The Ware County Gator High School football team would like to thank Leodis McKelvin, USA Football and the Buffalo Bills for the generous donation of shoulder pads,” Ware County High School head football coach Ed Dudley said. “Leodis’ generosity speaks to his tremendous character and devotion to his hometown.”

USA Football selected McKelvin as an award winner for his field vision and ability to both set up and follow blocks, making him one of the most fundamentally sound kick returners in the NFL.

Alumni, Jills at Variety Kids Telethon

This Sunday March 24, be sure to tune into the 51st annual Variety Kids Telethon on WKBW Channel  7.

From 3:00-4:00 PM, Bills Alumni members, Ed Rutkowski, Booker Edgerson, Lou Piccone and Charlie Ferguson as well as Billy Buffalo and the Buffalo Jills will make an appearance raising money for Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Make sure you call and donate! More information can be found here.

Moats visits Buffalo Hope Lodge

Arthur Moats is a curious individual. He’s the type of athlete who always wants to always help out, and learn more about things he’s unaware of.

Today, Arthur took his curiosity to the topic of breast cancer and cancer awareness, making a special trip to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge of Buffalo. Arthur took a tour of the Hope Lodge, a housing facility for out of town cancer patients and their families.

“I feel like everyone’s affected by cancer in some way or another. It’s an issue that may never go away but I feel like the more people know about it the more we can get engaged and help out,” Moats told buffalobills.com.

“I learned that they provide a lot of services to cancer patients and their families,” said the Bills linebacker. “Sometimes, the hospitals can’t house all those people but here at Hope Lodge, they offer that service to them and try to make it a home away from home for cancer patients, which helps a lot with the recovery process.”

Arthur feels that by using his platform as a professional athlete, he can better educate others on how to become involved.

“Everyone has some type of connection to cancer, but I don’t feel that word of mouth spreads that easily. When professional athletes say something about cancer awareness, a lot more people will listen to it and dig deeper to help out. That’s the ultimate goal.”

To learn more about the Hope Lodge of Buffalo visit their website.

Spiller in Toronto

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Bills running back C.J. spiller made an offseason appearance at the Conn Smythe Dinner in Toronto last night. This year’s 62^nd Annual Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction benefitted Easter Seals Ontario- an organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities. C.J. was part of a group of celebrity athletes who supported the event. He took part in a live, on-stage interview with Canadian broadcaster Gord Stellick and met this year’s Easter Seals ambassadors.

Jackson: A role model to local students

Our very own Fred Jackson is no stranger to the Buffalo community. Today, Jackson visited students at Buffalo Public School #97, Harvey Elementary, speaking at a school assembly about positive role models, doing well in school and the importance of staying active. Jackson answered students’ questions and shared personal life lessons and experiences.

Hunter’s Day of Hope for Children

Come celebrate the 15^th Annual Hunter’s Day of Hope for Children! The FREE event is held in the Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse and includes activities, food, games, prizes, bounce houses, face painting and more! Join Jim Kelly and the Hunter’s Hope Foundation Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.

For more information, visit huntershope.org.

Brad Smith up for Bart Starr Award

Athletes in Action has announced that Buffalo Bills QB/WR Brad Smith has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2013 Bart Starr Award – an honor that recognizes athletes for their “outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.” Brad’s True Foundation works to promote education, discipline and organized activity for youth in the community.

The award will be voted on by players and announced during the Super Bowl Breakfast, hosted by Athletes in Action.

For more information about the True Foundation, visit http://truefoundation16.org/.

David Nelson on Biggest Loser

If you missed it, Bills wide receiver David Nelson made an appearance on an episode of the Biggest Loser, helping and encouraging Biggest Loser contestant Sunny achieve her goals of losing weight.

Watch Nelson in this special TV clip here.

Spiller’s cleats raise almost 5K for Sandy Hook

In December when the Sandy Hook tragedy tore apart Newtown, Connecticut, Bills running back C.J. Spiller was among one of the first to step up and help out.

Spiller displayed his condolences and remembrance to those affected by writing “S.H.E.S,” and “Newtown, CT” on his cleats that he wore during the Seattle Seahawks game- a game when C.J. obtained his 1,000 yard rushing mark for the first time in his NFL career.

It was as if that game he was playing for the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.

Spiller then signed the cleats and donated them to NFL Action, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the relief efforts in Newtown. The cleats were up on the site for eight days, and had the most bids of any item in the last week.

The bidding started at $100.00, and when finished raised just shy of $5,000 dollars for the Sandy Hook relief efforts.

Join the next Bills Family Day!

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is hosting families and friends at its inaugural Family Days at the Buffalo Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse.

There will be interactive games set up around the Healthy Zone Fieldhouse, and Billy Buffalo will be on hand for autographs and pictures.  The BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Zone Cruiser will be on site with hula hoops, jump ropes and plenty of additional family-friendly activities.

The event is free and open to any BlueCross BlueShield of WNY member. The next family days are January 12, February 7, March 16 and March 23 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Register for the Family Days by clicking here.