Toronto Bills Blog

Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski had successful back surgery today. The announcement was tweeted by brother Gordie Gronkowski Jr. Gronk is expected to make a full recovery. Doctors are optimistic that he will be ready for the regular season opener in September. The star New England tight end has established himself as one of the most prolific players in the NFL. A healthy Gronk is expected to make the Patriots Super Bowl contenders once again. The Western New York community is justifiably proud of its favorite NFL son.

Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery on Tuesday. The operation will be performed in California by renowned spinal specialist Robert Watkins. It will address a recurring disk problem that has sidelined the New England superstar. Gronk will have 11 weeks to recuperate before the season opener in September. The extent of the damage to his back is not yet known. The Western New York community offers prayers and best wishes for his speedy recovery.

EJ Manuel has signed a 4 year deal with the Bills. The rookie quarterback’s contract is worth a reported $8.9 million. There is a $4.84 million upfront signing bonus. Manuel is expected to compete for the starting berth with veteran Kevin Kolb now that the team has released Tarvaris Jackson. He was the only quarterback taken in the first round of this year’s draft. The 6-4, 237 pound Manuel finished 25-6 in his college career at Florida. He has the size and speed needed to develop into the long sought after franchise quarterback.

The Bills have cut quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. The move leaves Kevin Kolb and EJ Manuel to compete for the starting job. Coach Doug Marrone has opted to go with 2 quarterbacks in the lineup. The experienced Kolb is given the edge to start in the season opener. He will warm the bench until Manuel has matured to develop into the long-awaited franchise quarterback.

The Bills have signed offensive lineman Doug Legursky. Terms of the 4 year deal were not made public. Legursky played 4 seasons with the Steelers. He appeared in Super Bowl XLV. The 315 pound Legursky has started at both guard and center. He is expected to compete for a starting berth following Andy Levitre’s move to the Titans.

Bills football legend Jim Kelly has been diagnosed with cancer. In a statement released by the team, he revealed he has squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper jaw bone. The cancer has not spread to other parts of his body. Surgery has been scheduled for June 7. Kelly spoke of the love and support of his wife Jill, daughters Erin and Camryn, and family and friends. The football community and fans everywhere offer their prayers for Jim’s full recovery.

Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery later this month. The New England tight end will have his sixth operation in 2 years. He is expected to miss training camp and possibly part of the regular season. The injury prone Gronkowski has become the heart and soul of the Patriots offense. Quarterback Tom Brady’s rating is 77.3 when throwing to Gronk and 63.5 without him. His yards per attempt are 10.5 when throwing to Gronk and 7.8 yards to other receivers. With the recent release of Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker the Patriots are in desperate need of Gronk’s service. Whether he can remain healthy for the duration of his $53 million contract extension is uncertain. The Western New York community is pulling for a speedy recovery of its favorite NFL son.

Jim Kelly will host his twenty-seventh celebrity classic on Monday. The annual outing will pair golfers with one of 50 celebrities. The event raises money for the non-profit Kelly for Kids foundation. The organization assists disabled and disadvantaged youth throughout Western New York. Jim Kelly is to be commended for spearheading this worthwhile charity.

Buffalo native Rob Gronkowski has had a fourth surgery on his left forearm. The New England tight end’s operation has been pronounced successful. Doctors inserted a metal plate. The nagging infection has cleared up. Gronk will undergo rehabilitation to prepare for training camp this summer. He also faces potential surgery for a recurring back problem.

The Bills rookies toured the city yesterday. The outing brought them to the downtown Naval Park and New Era headquarters on Delaware Avenue. The 22 members of this year’s rookie class then went to the Buffalo Zoo where the Bills presented a $10,000 check to underwrite the upkeep of Luna the polar bear. The day ended with an excursion to Niagara Falls. Despite the rain, the participants enthused over what the region has to offer. We welcome them to town.