Marrone, Bills’ Players React To News of Sale

A day after the team announced that Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula had a definitive agreement to purchase the Buffalo Bills, head coach Doug Marrone stated that “it’s an exciting time for all of us”.

Marrone said the sale gives people the opportunity to thank the team’s previous owner, the deceased Ralph Wilson, for what he did in “the region, the organization, the fans and the league”. He also said that he wanted to thank Ralph Wilson’s widow, Mary.

“I think the person that might get lost in this, I know her personally,” said Marrone. (Mary Wilson’s) been outstanding. I can only imagine what she’s going through with the emotion. She’s been great with me and great with the coaches. As far as the Pegula family acquiring the team, you have to be excited. They’re great advocates toward the region. It’s great for our organization and it’s great for our fans. It’s an exciting time and people should be excited, as they are.”

As for how it will effect Sunday’s home opener against AFC East rival Miami, Marrone thinks the environment will be “great”. Quarterback E.J. Manuel said the players were “happy” a deal for ownership was able to get done and that the team is staying in Buffalo.

The second-year signal-caller said he is “fired up for Sunday”.

“We won,” said Manuel. “The sale is done and we’re playing against the Miami Dolphins, a division rivalry and a long-time rivalry here in Buffalo. I know they will be ready to go and so will we.”

The team’s second-longest tenured player, running back Fred Jackson, said that he didn’t follow the story much since players “don’t have any say in it”. However, did indicate he has a positive vibe toward the Pegulas being the team’s new owners.

“I’m sure everybody’s happy to get the process over and we’re happy that it’s a couple that’s very familiar with this area and all things that they do but it’s on us right now to just focus on the season,” said Jackson. “To just focus on these football games that we have going on right now and that’s what we’re trying to do but I’ve heard nothing but good things from them being good friends with (Buffalo Sabres player Pat Kaleta).  I talk to him and he’s told me nothing but good things about the Pegulas.  It’s a good thing to have the process done but for the most part, what we’re focused on as players is winning football games.”

Jackson spoke for all the players on his thoughts of the team staying in the place it has been the past since 1960.

“We want to be in Western New York,” said Jackson. “There’s a tremendous fan base here and we’re happy for those guys. To have it all put to rest and knowing that the team’s going to be here, that’s something that everyone in this locker room is happy about.”

The ninth-year running back said the fans are going to come on Sunday and be “riled up”.

“We have Miami coming to town: our rival,” said Jackson. “We’ll have a lot of fans out there ready to make a lot of noise for us and hopefully we can play well and get a win.”