1. Bills welcome honorary captain to practice
The Bills were delighted to introduce a new honorary team captain on Friday, Aug 3. Drew Agahiu, just 11 years old, from Stone's Buddies of Oishei Children's Hospital, met with head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane to sign a one-day contract that allowed him to take the field and help lead the team at practice.
During his action-packed day at New Era Field, Agahiu toured the Bills training and locker rooms in the ADPRO Sports Training Center and attended his first team meeting. He received high fives from the Bills on his way in before Coach McDermott introduced him to the team, where Agahiu got a standing ovation.
After being asked whose position he would like to play, Agahiu selected cornerback Tre'Davious White. He then proceeded to join White for the first play of practice where, together, they got an interception and ran it back for a pick six. Agahiu's family, as well as the rest of the stadium, cheered with pride as the young captain enjoyed his first professional touchdown celebration.
2. Bills legend Steve Tasker serves as honorary pace car driver
Bills Wall of Fame wide receiver Steve Tasker will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Go Bowling NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 5, at Watkins Glen International (WGI). WGI could not be more excited to have the Bills Legend join them for the event.
"Steve is a legend here in the upstate New York area with what he has done on and off the field for the Buffalo Bills," said WGI President Michael Printup.
Tasker is proud to be given the opportunity and is looking forward to the event.
If you would like more information about how to watch the action, visit www.theglen.com or call 1-866-461-RACE.
3. Peterman invites VIP guests to practice
Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman and his wife Morgan made a lasting impression on a young boy during a hospital visit at the Oishei Children's Hospital. After suffering from multiple seizures, Christopher Brown was receiving long-term care when the 2017 fifth-round draft pick surprised him with a visit.
"Obviously being in the hospital for three days being hooked up to some monitors is tough," described Jeff Brown, Christopher's dad.
"They spent probably a half hour with us. It was wonderful, it was the highlight of the trip to the hospital," explained Theresa Brown, Christopher's mom.
The family really felt like they connected with the quarterback and Peterman even extended an invite to a Bills Training Camp, presented by Connors and Ferris, so they could receive the VIP treatment.
Mr. Brown told the Bills, "It just really brightened his day, our day, and really made us feel like he came just to see us, even though obviously there were a lot of sick kids he saw that day."
The Browns attended practice and were able to watch the action up close from the field, as well as meet some of the players after practice ended. When asked to reflect on the day, The Brown's son was at a loss for words.
"I'm speechless," said Christopher Brown.
4. White has unexpected guest during NFL interview
During a recent interview with NFL Network, cornerback Tre'Davious White held a surprise guest, his 14-month-old son Tre'Davious White Jr. The theme of the interview revolved around the importance of family and the role they play during camp.
"It's all about family. Coach McDermott does a great job of emphasizing family as the most important thing," explained White.
Whether in the stands or on the field, family plays a significant role in training camp. While holding his son in his arms with a smile on his face during the interview, this sentiment became evident.
5. McCoy reconnects with fan after two years
The 2016 preseason game against the New York Giants was no ordinary game for Season Ticket Member Linda Maloney's grandson Connor. Running back LeSean McCoy scored the first touchdown of the game and proceeded to run toward the stands, where he handed the ball to Connor, solidifying the youngster's love for the Bills.
"He is one excited kid and, on that day two years ago, he became a Bills fan for life," described Maloney.
As luck would have it, McCoy was in the Kids Autograph Zone, presented by Democrat & Chronicle, roughly two years after Connor was given the ball. Maloney's determined, energetic, grandson was not going to miss the opportunity to get his lucky ball signed by McCoy, the person who ignited his passion for the Bills.
Maloney told the Bills, "…My grandson was adamant and very patient… He did not want to leave the tent for any reason even when I told him his grandfather would hold his place in line!"
After waiting their turn in line, Maloney and Connor were finally face-to-face with the man behind all the excitement. McCoy signed the ball that he handed Connor two years ago, as well as the photo of him holding the ball at the preseason game. McCoy was very surprised to hear they waited two years for the autograph and made a point to get a photo with the smiling fan.
