Bills players, coaches, staff members and fans piled into St. John Fisher University's facilities on Wednesday morning for Buffalo's first training camp practice of the 2024 season and 23rd year of camp in Rochester. It's an exciting day for most as it signifies the true start to a new season, but Wednesday was extra memorable for new Bills and Sabres Chief Operating Officer Pete Guelli.
Guelli is no stranger to having training camp in Rochester at St. John Fisher University as he was part of the group that spearheaded the Bills' move to SJF in 2000 when he worked for the team as the Senior Vice President of Business Ventures.
Walking down to practice, Guelli couldn't help but to think back to those first few camps in Rochester and how much it's grown since his last year with the Bills in 2009.
"When I first got involved in the project back then, I thought it was an amazing idea," Guelli, the Rochester native, said. "It was really cool bringing your NFL team to your hometown. And so, I didn't think it could get better until I came back. Being away for 15 years and seeing how the camp still stands up, and they've made it even better for the fans and football. It's really gratifying to know we worked on this. Now, I get to be part of it again."
Guelli initially worked for the Bills from 1998-2009. After, Buffalo's new COO had stops in Charlotte with Hornets as their EVP of Chief Marketing and Sales and in New Jersey with the New York Giants as their Chief Business Officer.
After seeing a few NFL teams host training camps at different sites in the late 90s, Guelli thought it could be a good idea to get the Bills on the road for camp in order to grow the fan base and extend into other markets not so far away.
"We needed something in Rochester because we needed to put a stake in the ground there. It's an important market to our business model," Guelli said thinking back to some of those initial meetings. "So, we started canvasing the area, talking to different colleges and trying to determine who had the potential to host something like this."
For those who have had a chance to attend a training camp practice at St. John Fisher, this will not come as a surprise, but Guelli said SJF rose to the top pretty quickly.
"The location is phenomenal, but they were going through a capital improvement plan and basically said we'll let you have input on how we build this out and that could help put you in a better position to host a camp here," Guelli said of St. John Fisher. "So, that made sense to us. We then got our football people involved and they started to look at what this campus was like. It quickly became apparent that Fisher was the place."
The Bills have been through different head coaches and general managers over the years but even through all the change, the Bills have stood firm in Rochester and SJF being their home for training camp.
Founding partner of Connors & Ferris, LLP Greg Connors, who's firm has been a team sponsor since 2009, remembers the efforts Guelli made to create the partnership between the Bills and Rochester. Connors said seeing him back at camp today felt like a full circle moment.
"Having Pete here today kind of gives me goosebumps because he's the father of Bills training camp in Rochester," Connors said. "He's made Rochester relevant as it relates to the Bills for the last 20 plus years. And so, to have him back here today, it really is full circle. His passion for Western New York and the Bills is something that Bills Mafia cherishes. To have him back here with his passion and commitment along with what he created is wonderful."
Thinking back to his first stint with the Bills where they were just starting to expand into the Greater Rochester Area compared to where it's at now, Guelli couldn't help but be impressed with how the fan base has grown as he was taking in Wednesday's practice.
"The passion for this team does not go away," Guelli said with a smile. "If anything, it's intensified. When you walk onto the field and see everybody there, they're all excited to see Josh Allen and the rest of the players. I don't know if you ever get used to that, how passionate they are. I come back now and see it again and it's like, 'Wow this fan base is different.'"
"Having the kids and the families here from the Finger Lakes and from the Rochester area, they don't get exposure like this," Connors said. "The NFL and the Buffalo Bills are the most important thing in Western New York. And so, to give that access and have access for people that don't normally have it, that's what's most gratifying."
Just like Guelli and Connors, the fans think the atmosphere at St. John Fisher is unmatched.
"It's high, high energy," Bills influencer and content creator Jack Mancuso said. "I think everybody's just very excited for the upcoming season. There were a lot of big changes in the offseason so everyone's pumped. This is cool because it hypes you up for football season and makes you realize it's just around the corner."
Life-long Bills fan and five-year season ticket holder Tammy Williams-Rauber brought her granddaughter to her first training camp practice on Wednesday. Williams-Rauber said it's a can't miss event as a fan.
"We get around everywhere as fans, training camp, home games, away games," Williams-Rauber said. "The fans show up. I just love the comradery, the friends, hanging out with everybody."
Her granddaughter's favorite player is Josh Allen, so she was excited to see her QB in action as an early birthday present.
"I remember being that kid looking up to somebody in my position, so making sure that I can (say hi) whether it's a quick fist bump or high five or sign some things," Allen said of making the time to say hi to younger fans.
Scroll to see the best photos from opening day of the 2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp. This gallery is presented by Connors & Ferris, LLP.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyler Bass (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (81), KJ Hamler (19). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Rob Boras. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Crowd. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
KJ Hamler (19). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Adam Henry, Keon Coleman (0), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (81), Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dawson Knox (88), Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dawson Knox (88), Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Christian Benford (47), Taron Johnson (7), Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ty Johnson (26), Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Darrynton Evans (37). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Lawrence Keys (82). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Bryan Thompson (89). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Rob Boras. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Andy Isabella (87). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Bryan Thompson (89). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Spencer Brown (79). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Sean McDermott. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Eli Ankou (51). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0), Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Eli Ankou (51), Ed Oliver (91), A.J. Epenesa (57). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Terrel Bernard (43), Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Rondel Bothroyd (97). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dawuane Smoot (94). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
KJ Hamler (19), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (81). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Zach Davidson (84), Dalton Kincaid (86), David Edwards (76). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86), Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86), Dawson Knox (88), Quintin Morris (85). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80), Mike Edwards (21). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80), Alec Anderson (70). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Damar Hamlin (3), Taron Johnson (7). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86), Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Taylor Rapp (9). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Terrel Bernard (43). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Kaiir Elam (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (81). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Crowd. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
DJ Yes. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Reggie Gilliam (41). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
A.J. Epenesa (57), Marcus West, Javon Solomon (56), Gable Steveson (61). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Marcus West, A.J. Epenesa (57), Eli Ankou (51), Ed Oliver (91), Dawuane Smoot (94), Casey Toohill (99), DaQuan Jones (92), Greg Rousseau (50), Rondel Bothroyd (97), Kameron Cline (96), Branson Deen (53). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Crowd. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
La'el Collins (71). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ryan Van Demark (74). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Fans. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ryan Van Demark (74). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Billy Buffalo. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Eli Ankou (51). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Quintin Morris (85). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Quintin Morris (85). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Cam Lewis (39). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Baylon Spector (54). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Kaiir Elam (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Kaiir Elam (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Cam Lewis (39), Justin Shorter (18). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Matthew Smiley. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Kameron Cline (96). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dorian Williams (42). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
A.J. Epenesa (57). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.
While Bills Mafia loves getting to watch their team up close, the team also loves having them at camp thanks to their energy.
"The fans are closer to the action now more than ever," Guelli said. "It's great for the players. We have always said the fans add another level of juice to what they're doing. I was impressed today."
In addition to seeing Bills Mafia, the team also loves going away for camp because of the relationship building that takes place over the course of the next two weeks.
"It's great to be here," head coach Sean McDermott shared. "We believe in going away to camp. We've talked about that before, namely, because of a couple of reasons, one of which is for our team to continue to come together and bond and develop that chemistry that we're going to need."
"I had breakfast with Sean (McDermott) this morning and was picking his brain on what he thought, and he was so happy to get everyone together at St. John Fisher to really kick things off," Guelli said. "When you see that passion in the team, you can see where it originates from. I'm excited to see what they do this year."
While Guelli enjoys seeing what camp has grown into since its first year in Rochester, he's still working on plenty of things happening back in Orchard Park.
"It's been really fun to see the progress with the stadium," Guelli shared. "It'll be open in two years, but everything is comfortably on schedule right now. It's starting to look like a stadium. I think the fans are really going to be proud of that state-of-the-art."
On July 21, 2000, the Bills opened training camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, New York, after 19 years of holding camp in Fredonia. With 2019 Bills Training Camp, presented by Connors and Ferris, nearly underway, take a look back at camp through the years.
Buffalo Bills qb Josh Allen #17 - 2018 Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher College. Photo by Bill Wippert July 28, 2018
Buffalo Bills Training Camp 2018 PicSix Creative Rochester, NY July 26, 2018. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills Training Camp 2018 PicSix Creative Rochester, NY July 26, 2018. Photo by Sara Schmidle
- 2018 Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher College. Photo by Bill Wippert July 28, 2018
Buffalo Bills Training Camp 2018 PicSix Creative Rochester, NY July 26, 2018. Photo by Sara Schmidle
