Toronto Bills Blog

New England quarterback Tom Brady has blasted Buffalo hotels. Speaking at the Super Bowl media day, he said that his father comes to watch him play, even in Buffalo where the hotels are “not the nicest places in the world.” Brady’s comments in front of the assembled national media do little to boost the image of the Queen City. The accommodations are sub-par, as recognized by those who travel around the league. Once the Bills move to metro Toronto, with some of the finest hotels in the world, Brady and his dad can rest more comfortably.

The Bills have re-signed long snapper Garrison Sanborn. The 3 year deal is reportedly worth $3.2 million. The 6 – 0, 240 pound Sanborn is a graduate of Florida State. He is one of the team’s 3 restricted free agents. Sanborn joined the Bills in 2009.

The Bills have hired 2 coaches. Eric Thatcher will be the new defensive quality control coach. Andrew Dees has signed on as assistant offensive line coach. Thatcher has coached college ball at Saint Vincent, Pitt, and Mercyhurst. Dees has 16 years college coaching experience, including a stint as tight ends coach at the University at Buffalo from 2001 to 2005. The Bills also reasssigned 3 coaches. Adrian White becomes assistant defensive backs coach after being defensive quality control coach. Bob Bicknell was promoted to wide receivers coach after serving as tight ends coach. Bob Sanders was reassigned to linebackers coach after spending a year as outside linebackers coach. The coaching staff is now complete except for hiring a tight ends coach.

Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski will sit out today’s Pro Bowl. The New England tight end was selected to represent the AFC, but will not play due to preparations for the Super Bowl. He and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not make the trip to Hawaii. Willis McGahee, formerly of the Bills, will be playing on the AFC squad. Jason Peters, Marshawn Lynch, and London Fletcher will be competing for the NFC. No current Buffalo player made the cut. Fred Jackson was in contention but sidelined by his season-ending injury.

There has been no progress in contract talks with Bills receiver Stevie Johnson. Unless a contract extension is signed by March 13, he will become a free agent. Johnson has said he wants to remain in Buffalo. His agent commented: “The Bills have options. They can use the franchise tag on him, they can negotiate an extension, or they can let him walk. It is no secret where Stevie’s heart is, but at the same time he has to do what is best for his family.” Despite being penalized for excessive celebration, Johnson has made solid contributions to the Bills offense. Last year he had 76 receptions for 1,004 yards and 7 touchdowns. The team can not afford to lose him.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has vowed support for the Bills. Speaking earlier this week in Buffalo, he said “The Bills are very important, not just to western New York, but the entire state. We want to keep the Bills here. I’m looking forward to being part of a cooperative effort to keep them here.” He was alluding to the impending sale of the team when owner Ralph Wilson passes on. The current lease on the stadium is up in 2013, and the club wants major upgrades to the facility, estimated to run $100 million. It is unlikely that cash-strapped Erie County can handle that without major state aid. Otherwise the franchise will be free to relocate to another town. The handwriting is on the wall. The Bills Toronto Series is the prelude to the eventual move of the team to metro Toronto, the largest and most affluent city in Canada. Cuomo’s rhetoric may be good politics, but he can not dictate to the Wilson heirs.

Sports Fans Coalition is fighting the Federal Communications Commission’s blackout rules. The group has formed a Buffalo chapter, headed by Matt Sabuda, a former public relations official for the Bills. Local fans have been deeply impacted by the FCC rules, which resulted in blackouts of the last 3 home games. The FCC prohibits airing of games not sold out within 72 hours of kickoff by local, cable, and satellite stations. Fans can now offer comments on proposed revisions to the regulations by logging on to www.endblackouts.com. Sabuda is also spearheading a drive to keep the Bills in Buffalo, exploring possible community involvement in future ownership interests.

The Bills have promoted 3 in the front office. Andy Major has been named Vice President of Event Operations and Guest Experience. He has spent 18 years in the NFL and formerly served as Executive Director of Bills Marketing. Dan Evans has advanced to Vice President of Information Technology. The Buffalo native serves on the league’s Technical Advisory Committee. Gregg Pastore is now Senior Director of Digital Media. He oversees production of the team website and online marketing. Together the 3 veteran personnel have decades of experience in professional sports administration.

Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski is expected to be ready for the Super Bowl. The Williamsville North star went down with a left ankle injury in the third quarter of yesterday’s AFC Championship game. New England narrowly defeated Baltimore 23 – 20 when the Ravens Billy Cundiff missed a 32 yard field goal with 11 seconds left. Gronkowski left the field in obvious pain, assisted by trainers. He returned to play in the fourth quarter. On the day the Gronk had 5 receptions for 87 yards. He set a league record this year for touchdowns by a tight end, recording 90 catches for 17 touchdowns and 1,327 yards. The spirited second year veteran has become a fan favorite and source of pride for his hometown.

Today’s AFC Championship game has Buffalo ties. When the Patriots meet the Ravens at Gillette Field, there will be players with local roots. Receiver Lee Evans, who spent 7 seasons with the Bills, will be in a Ravens uniform. After suffering an early season injury, he sat out 7 games. Since returning he had 4 receptions for 74 yards. Last week he made a 30 yard catch against the Texans, his first in postseason action. Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski has had a sensational year as tight end for New England. Selected for the Pro Bowl, the Gronk has emerged as the heart and soul of the Patriots offense. Expect spirited play from both native sons as they compete for a Super Bowl berth.