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C.J. Spiller News & Rumors

Spiller closes season with a flourish
January 12
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills only hope there are many more weekends like the ones C.J. Spiller enjoyed the last half of the season. He ran free and easy, slashing off tackle, sprinting past slower defenders and even lowering the boom at times over larger ones. Spiller reminded a lot of people of his enormous gifts and promise. The Bills have said again and again the past two years that he can be one of the NFL's best running backs. He has Chris Johnson's size and Reggie Bush's speed, and there's no reason he can't be the kind of impact player that scores touchdowns and wins games. Asked if his play in place of the injured Fred Jackson was surprising, Spiller nonchalantly said: "I think the coaches"
Spiller's wheels find traction at last
December 23
Buffalo News
 
"If anything supports the theory that fantasy football can be wildly volatile, it's this: C.J. Spiller led all running backs in points last week. Yes, the same C.J. Spiller who couldn't get on the field in front of Fred Jackson early in the year and was shaping up as another first-round bust for the Buffalo Bills could be the player who swings the championship in your league. Those who failed to have the second-year running back in the lineup for last week's 167-yard (rushing and receiving), two-touchdown performance are not alone. Spiller was started in just 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He did enough to earn your trust this weekend. His 24-yard touchdown against the Dolphins was actually"
Spiller produces his best game yet
December 19
Buffalo News
 
"Electrifying snapshots of C.J. Spiller are starting to come into focus. One is a vision of the Buffalo Bills running back smoothly breaking away from a crowd and sprinting downfield, followed by the understanding that you can't tackle Spiller by yourself. The first guy on the scene is starting to miss and Spiller speeds away as if he should be wearing license plates and not No. 28. These are the same moves he displayed at Clemson, the kind of moves that could only be pulled off with cheat codes on Madden. Since Spiller has been given more opportunities and more carries, people are finally beginning to see his dazzling potential, the one that made him the No. 9 overall pick two years ago."
Fans get Spiller sighting before Gailey shelves him
December 5
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"At this point, a seasoned Bills fan grasps for any sign of hope amid the gathering despair. You search for a tiny sliver of sunshine in a dark, gloomy sky. You turn the garbage pail upside-down, hoping to find a $100 bill in the coffee grounds. So they lost at home to the Titans, 23-17. Remember when you thought it might be for a playoff spot, even home-field advantage? That's five losses in a row and counting. The stretch run in '08 looks like Mardi Gras by comparison. At least that team won a couple to extend the heroic run of 7-9s under Dick Jauron. Oh, the bright spot. C.J. Spiller actually looked good Sunday. Not good enough to justify the ninth pick in the draft, mind you. Spiller"
Spiller is not satisfied with his performance
November 28
Buffalo News
 
"Sunday was C.J. Spiller's opportunity to finally present his case that he's capable of being a full-time running back. Needless to stay the jury is still out. Asked to replace Fred Jackson, the NFL's leading rusher at the time of his season-ending injury, Spiller averaged just 2.9 yards a carry against a New York Jets' defense that has struggled against the run in recent weeks. In his second start at running back, Spiller rushed for 55 yards on 19 carries in the Bills 28-24 loss to the Jets. Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills passing game carried the offense while the run couldn't put much together. Fitzpatrick had the day's longest run with a 15-yard scramble while Spiller long was nine"
With Jackson's season over, Spiller becomes the focal point
November 27
Buffalo News
 
"1. Moving on Fred Jackson, the NFL's leading rusher, is gone for the season with a broken leg and now it's up to C.J. Spiller to be the focal point of the running game. Where Jackson was outstanding working between the tackles, Spiller has the speed to get to the edge quickly. Jackson is a power runner while Spiller is a finesse back who at times shines in the open field. Spiller has split his time this season between running back and wide receiver and has yet to prove he's an every-down back. This is his chance. While coach Chan Gailey gave Jackson the bulk of the carries, it will be interesting to see if rookie running back Johnny White will be worked into the rotation, if only to give"
Spiller to fill receiver vacancy - for now
October 18
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills' lack of depth at wide receiver has resulted in a position change for C.J. Spiller. The first-round pick from 2010 will move to receiver from running back, coach Chan Gailey said Monday, at least while Donald Jones is out. Jones isn't expected back in the lineup until mid-November with a high ankle sprain. The Bills used Spiller at receiver Sunday against the New York Giants. He finished with five receptions, tied for the team high, and 39 yards. "He did a very good job, and I can see that being his role here for the short term," Bills coach Chan Gailey said. Moving to receiver accomplishes two things for the Bills: having a speed option outside, and finding a way"
C.J. Spiller to get more time at wideout
September 21
Pro Football Talk
 
"Tim Tebow isn't the only 2010 first-round pick who will play some receiver. With Bills wideout Roscoe Parrish lost for the season, running back C.J. Spiller is expected to be used more and more as a receiver, per a source with knowledge of the situation. It's already a given that Spiller will serve as the team's primary punt returner."
Spiller takes Jackson's vent in stride
August 25
Buffalo News
 
"C.J. Spiller understands Fred Jackson's frustration and isn't upset with the comment the veteran running back made this week. It's competition, and both want to be on the field. "Who wouldn't want to be a No. 1 back? The big thing is that everyone is making a big deal about it," Spiller said. "The thing about me and Fred is that we're pushing each other to get better. ... Whoever they go with, the other person has to be right there helping make sure he gets his job done." Jackson met with running backs coach Curtis Modkins on Tuesday and was informed he would start the Bills' third preseason game against Jacksonville on Saturday. Spiller started last week's game at Denver although Jackson"
Running backs came up a touch short of goals
January 12
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson gave the team good production when he touched the ball in 2010. It would have been better if he had touched it more. Jackson was underutilized in the first four games due to the presence of Marshawn Lynch. More importantly, the Bills' running game was underutilized because the offense didn't have the ball enough. The Bills ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing yards with an average of 107.5 a game. They ranked 25th in rushing attempts, with only 25 a game. Buffalo's running game likely would have produced more if the defense had done a better job of limiting yards and points and helping the offense get more chances to get on the field. The running backs"
Spiller learned talent is not enough
January 8
Buffalo News
 
"Football always came easily for running back C.J. Spiller. Whether it was Pop Warner, high school or college, his physical ability overwhelmed the competition. But the NFL is a different animal. It takes more than skill at that level. That is the biggest lesson Spiller took from his first season with the Buffalo Bills. "It was definitely a learning experience," he said. "Coming into the NFL, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was a tougher adjustment than I thought it would be." As the ninth overall pick in last spring's draft, Spiller faced the inevitable high expectations. He might have been the most dynamic player in college football, setting"
Spiller says he hit a low point on Sunday
December 27
Buffalo News
 
"On Sunday, C.J. Spiller experienced the peaks and valleys of an NFL rookie. He had his most productive day of the season on offense, rushing for 30 yards on six carries and catching two passes for 54 yards, but it was overshadowed by two lost fumbles that contributed to the Bills' 34-3 loss to the Patriots. "That was probably my worst game that I ever played," he said. "Putting the ball on the ground three times, losing two of them and putting the team in bad situations. Tough day out there today." It has been a tough year for Spiller. Expectations were high for the ninth overall pick in this year's draft. Maybe too high for some people. Spiller revealed he has been the recipient of hate"
C.J. Spiller hasn't made a big impact
December 23
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"When C.J. Spiller got the news prior to the season-opening game against Miami that he was going to be the Bills' starting running back, the rookie couldn't help but think he was going to take the NFL by storm this year. "I had visions of being the poster boy of the rookie class," Spiller said Wednesday afternoon. And why shouldn't he have dared to dream? After all, the Bills chose Spiller with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round of the 2010 draft with that exact thought in mind as well. They saw him make plays in college at Clemson that only the rarest of athletes make, and there was every reason to believe that he could be the most dynamic rookie in the league, not to mention the"
There's more to the Chiefs' Shaun Smith than his brash behavior
December 19
Kansas City Star
 
"The loudest, brashest, most vulgar man in the Chiefs locker room is hollering again. This is nothing new. This time, it's coming from inside the shower. Everyone knows it's Shaun Smith, and when he's in one of his moods, there is no peace. He's screaming nonsense, and by now, his teammates are used to it. This is the same man who howls during practices, screams profanity in the locker room, and may or may not have curious fingers when he and an opponent meet at the bottom of a pile. He has played for four NFL teams and was out of the league for a while last year because, he will say, some teams believed his personality was toxic. Finally, Smith, the Chiefs' 29-year-old defensive lineman,"
Add Spiller to the list of poor picks by Bills
December 7
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"It was easy to overlook amid the carnage, but a few of the Bills' beleaguered first-round draft choices achieved personal milestones on Sunday. Hold your applause until the end. Donte Whitner and Leodis McKelvin each had his first interception of the season. Otherwise, McKelvin had a horrendous afternoon. He said he had competed well, which shows an understanding for how low the standard is these days for the Bills' former top picks. John McCargo was active for the first time and had an assisted tackle. Aaron Maybin played again. Maybin didn't have a tackle in his nine snaps, but he looked sharp in his suit afterwards. C.J. Spiller, back after missing two games with a hamstring injury, set"
Spiller back at practice
December 1
Buffalo News
 
"Running back C.J. Spiller was back working in practice Wednesday after missing the past two games with a sore hamstring. The Bills will need all the firepower they can get against a Minnesota defense that ranks ninth in yards allowed and fifth against the run. Defensive tackle Spencer Johnson, who also has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury, was back working with the defensive line. Sitting out with bumps and bruises were Chris Kelsay, Torell Troup and Demetrius Bell. They should be back at practice Thursday. Defensive lineman Dwan Edwards is out, perhaps for the season, due to his hamstring injury suffered Sunday. Linebacker Reggie Torbor also has a significant injury,"
Spiller apologizes for use of derogatory term on Twitter
November 19
Buffalo News
 
"Social networks like Twitter and Facebook have revolutionized the way people communicate, but the downside is virtually every comment is available for public consumption. And in this politically correct world, saying the wrong thing can get you in trouble. C.J. Spiller learned that the hard way. The Bills rookie running back had to apologize for using a derogatory term toward gays that he posted on his Twitter account Wednesday. The slur was directed at former Clemson teammate and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Ricky Sapp. After deleting the original tweet, Spiller posted the following message: "I wanna apologize for using dat derogatory term to any1 that I may have offended I am truly"
Spiller apologizes for use of derogatory term on Twitter
November 19
Buffalo News
 
"Social networks like Twitter and Facebook have revolutionized the way people communicate, but the downside is virtually every comment is available for public consumption. And in this politically correct world, saying the wrong thing can get you in trouble. C.J. Spiller learned that the hard way. The Bills rookie running back had to apologize for using a derogatory term toward gays that he posted on his Twitter account Wednesday. The slur was directed at former Clemson teammate and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Ricky Sapp. After deleting the original tweet, Spiller posted the following message: "I wanna apologize for using dat derogatory term to any1 that I may have offended I am truly"
Spiller's injury causes some shifts
November 16
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills' depth at running back will be put to the test Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie C.J. Spiller has been all but ruled out for the game, coach Chan Gailey said Monday, after injuring his hamstring a day earlier in the team's 14-12 win over the Detroit Lions. "If you talk to C.J., C.J. thinks he's going to be hoping to practice this week," Gailey said. "The realistic thing is he'll miss one [game] and then we'll see from there." Spiller was hurt on a 29-yard punt return in the second quarter Sunday. That leaves starter Fred Jackson and recently signed Quinton Ganther on the depth chart. Ganther has been with the team for just a week, having signed Nov. 8. "We"
Injury stops Spiller after fast start
November 15
Buffalo News
 
"It had all the makings of a big day for C.J. Spiller. The Buffalo Bills rookie running back had a 16-yard run on his first carry of the game and added a 29-yard punt return early in the second quarter. But that would be the last play Spiller would make Sunday as he left the game with an injured hamstring and missed the rest of the Bills' 14-12 victory over the Detroit Lions. Bills coach Chan Gailey didn't have a definitive report on Spiller from the medical staff after the game, but indicated that Spiller could be sidelined next Sunday when the Bills visit the Cincinnati Bengals. "I want to say, for a running back, a hamstring is always significant," Gailey said. "I can't imagine him"
Learning the NFL way coming slowly for Spiller
November 10
Buffalo News
 
"Results have not met expectations thus far for Bills running back C.J. Spiller. The ninth overall pick in April's draft is halfway through his rookie season with just 150 yards rushing and 81 yards receiving to show for it. He's scored just one touchdown, in Week Three at New England. Despite those numbers, Bills coach Chan Gailey remains convinced Spiller is going to be a game-changer. "Unfortunately, with young talented guys like this we all want them to be unbelievably great right off the bat and that's not fair to them. Give the guy a chance to learn," Gailey said. "As I've said 100 times, I think he's going to be a dynamic player for us before it's over with. We've just got to keep"
Three proved to be a crowd for Bills
October 6
Buffalo News
 
"Fred Jackson said it was virtually impossible for three good running backs to co-exist in the same backfield. The Buffalo Bills finally came to the same conclusion, breaking the logjam Tuesday by trading Marshawn Lynch to the Seattle Seahawks. According to various reports, the Bills will receive the Seahawks' fourth-round pick in next year's draft and a conditional selection in 2012. "Marshawn has worked hard and played hard for us this season and we certainly appreciate his efforts," Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said in a statement released by the team. "We are constantly evaluating our personnel and feel that this is a good move for our team's future." Lynch has been the center of"
Speed demon Spiller bedevils Pats
September 27
Buffalo News
 
"C.J. Spiller said it was only a matter of time before he broke loose. His time arrived on Sunday as the Buffalo Bills' rookie running back had a breakout game with 228 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in a 38-30 loss to the New England Patriots. Spiller's first NFL touchdown came on a 5-yard catch, but his biggest play was a 95-yard kickoff return for a score. He finished with 189 return yards, the highest single-game total ever for a Bills rookie and the third-most in team history. With 29 yards rushing on four carries and 10 yards on three catches, Spiller displayed the all-around talent the Bills envisioned when they drafted him in the first round. "He made some good catches, made"
Bills in no rush on C.J. Spiller
September 23
Boston Herald
 
"The transition from college to professional football is always difficult, but running backs are generally considered to have it easier than most. Accordingly, the speedy C.J. Spiller did impress in the preseason, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. So why has the ninth overall pick of last April's draft, who had a star-studded career at Clemson, carried the ball just eight times in two games for the Buffalo Bills? "When he got to the regular season, that first game he was just going extremely fast," Bills coach Chan Gailey said yesterday. "I was probably unfair to him to throw him in there. We backed him back a little bit this past week." After seven rushes for 6 yards against the Dolphins,"
Gailey keeps Bills' options open at running back
September 22
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey was decisive Monday in announcing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick would assume the starting duties from Trent Edwards. When it comes to who will start at running back, however, not so much. Gailey was noncommittal when asked if Marshawn Lynch would remain in the starting role he filled Sunday at Green Bay. "It depends on the package," Gailey said. "That all depends on the packages that we deal with. We're trying to develop packages for each of our guys and it depends on which packages we go with." Lynch got 17 carries against the Packers and gained 64 yards, an average of 3.8 yards per rush. Rookie first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller, who started the season"
Bills could make up for weak offensive game with decent kick returns
September 17
Green Bay Press Gazette
 
"The Buffalo Bills look like one of the least-potent offenses in the NFL, but they could compensate with potentially one of the best return games. Kickoff returner C.J. Spiller is a first-round draft pick who set an NCAA record by returning seven kickoffs for touchdowns at Clemson. Punt returner Roscoe Parrish has three returns for touchdowns in his five NFL seasons and a 12.2-yard career average. After scoring only 10 points against Miami last week, the Bills' best chance of putting up enough points to beat the Packers on Sunday is by tilting the field with turnovers or a dominating performance in the return game. Spiller had only one kickoff return for 11 yards against Miami because"
Spiller contained in debut
September 13
Buffalo News
 
"C.J. Spiller was no thriller Sunday afternoon. The Buffalo Bills were hoping to unleash their first-round draft pick on the Miami Dolphins in the regular-season opener. Instead, the rookie running back had an NFL debut he'd rather forget. There will be better days for Spiller, who was held to 6 yards rushing on seven carries and a mere 8 yards on four receptions. He also had one kickoff return for 11 yards in the Bills' 15-10 loss. Spiller's performance bore no resemblance to his work in the preseason, when he electrified the Bills' offense with big plays. There weren't opportunities to show off the dazzling speed and elusiveness that he displayed in the exhibitions. His day epitomized the"
C.J. Spiller will start season opener for Buffalo Bills
September 8
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"Bills coach Chan Gailey said this afternoon that rookie C.J. Spiller will be the starting running back Sunday when the Bills host Miami in the NFL season opener for both teams. "The reason he's starting is because he's gotten more reps than anybody else in preseason at tailback and he's done a good job," Gailey said. "If he hadn't done a good job, then we might have to rethink it. But he's done a good job and he's earned the spot. So we're looking forward to him being out there." Spiller has also displayed big-play ability that the Bills' other top backs - Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch - have not."
Lynch starts as Spiller gets night off
September 3
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey did not take any chances Thursday night with his fastest backfield weapon. Rookie running back C.J. Spiller was a healthy scratch from the lineup. Spiller had three rushing touchdowns in the previous two exhibition games and entered the final preseason weekend leading the AFC with 12 first downs. Since starting running back Fred Jackson is out with a broken bone in his left hand, the Bills did not want to expose Spiller to any chance of injury. Jackson practiced on Tuesday and expressed optimism he will be able to play in the season opener against Miami on Sept. 12. But Jackson still probably will be listed as questionable heading into the game. Third-year"
Edwards, Spiller power Bills' win
August 29
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"If there was any doubt whether or not Trent Edwards is the Bills' No. 1 quarterback, there shouldn't be anymore. Yes, it's just the preseason, and yes, some of his work Saturday night came against Cincinnati's backups. But Edwards looked sharp, he looked like he was in command, and he looked like he knew what he was doing. In other words, he looked like an NFL starting quarterback and his performance helped get the Bills started on their way to a 35-20 victory over the Bengals in front of an announced Kids Night crowd of 57,867 at Ralph Wilson Stadium. "I just felt like we got in a good rhythm early on and we stuck with it," said Edwards, who completed 13 of 17 passes for 153 yards and"
Spiller shows off his talent
August 20
Buffalo News
 
"As C.J. Spiller took a handoff from quarterback Trent Edwards, the rookie running back was met in the backfield by Indianapolis defensive end Keyunta Dawson. No problem. Dawson barely laid a glove on Spiller, who skipped away from Dawson's clutches. Spiller cut back to his left where he stepped out of the hands of another Colts defender and burst into the open field. With one man to beat, Spiller made a quick move inside, ran through an attempted arm tackle at the 5-yard line and danced into the end zone. The darting, artful-dodging 31-yard touchdown was everything you need to know about why the Buffalo Bills drafted Spiller with the ninth overall pick in April's draft."
C.J. Spiller takes No. 1 role with Buffalo Bills
August 17
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"Both C.J. Spiller and Joique Bell say that Fred Jackson has been a great mentor, like a big brother, thus far. Spiller and Bell, rookie running backs and roommates at Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher College, will see more of Jackson in a mentor role after Jackson confirmed Monday that he has a broken bone in his left hand that will keep him sidelined for 4-6 weeks. He says he hopes to be ready for the Bills season opener Sept. 12 against Miami. Bills coach Chan Gailey said Lynch's injury isn't serious and that he could return by the final preseason game. "It's a huge disappointment," Jackson said. "I want to be out here. It is training camp, but I want to be here and doing"
Suddenly, Spiller is in spotlight
August 15
Buffalo News
 
"After missing the first week of training camp, Buffalo Bills top draft pick C.J. Spiller was gradually getting into the mix on offense. That is about to change. Spiller, as well as backup running backs Chad Simpson and Joique Bell, will be getting an increased workload after running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch went down with injuries during the Bills' preseason-opening loss at Washington. Jackson is out for the rest of the preseason with what might be a broken left hand. He is scheduled to have more tests today. Lynch hurt an ankle Friday, but his status is uncertain. The Bills' next preseason game is Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts in Toronto. Given the short turnaround,"
First-round pick C.J. Spiller begins adjustment to Buffalo Bills camp
August 11
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"The holdout is behind him and rookie C.J. Spiller has settled into the flow of training camp at St. John Fisher College quite nicely. "I feel pretty good," Spiller said. "Everything is starting to come back to me and be fresh in my mind. So, I'm just coming out here and trying to compete and get better." Spiller is sharing reps in the backfield with starter Fred Jackson and backup Marshawn Lynch. He has looked fast, just as the Bills knew he would when they made him the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. And he is also proving to be versatile, lining up in various spots on offense and also fielding punts. "Anything that I can do to help this team win, that's what I'm going to be willing to"
Spiller brings some badly needed excitement to Bills
August 8
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"Bills training camp finally got interesting Friday when first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller, having pocketed enough guaranteed money to bankroll a small school district, joined his teammates in practice. Spiller's arrival didn't come a moment too soon. Until then, the big event of camp had been Aaron Maybin's dustup with the team's offensive line. It was encouraging to see a demonstration of camaraderie and fire from the offense. But what they really needed was more talent. The kid certainly has talent. Spiller has been clocked at 4.32 in the 40-yard dash, making him the fastest running back the Bills have drafted since the former rental car shill now doing time in Nevada for robbery and"
Spiller agrees to deal with Bills
August 6
Buffalo News
 
"The Bills today reached an agreement in a five-year contract with first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller, a league source told The News. Spiller is expected to arrive at training camp about noon. The deal will be worth about $20.8 million in guaranteed money and $37.5 million maximum. His deal leaves left tackle Russell Okung, the sixth overall pick by Seattle, as the only first rounder without a contract."
Bills again among last without No.1 signed
August 4
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills will be one of the last teams in the NFL to come to terms with their top draft choice for the third straight year and the fourth time in five years. The Bills' top pick, running back C.J. Spiller, remained without a contract Tuesday, and his holdout continues a recent trend for Buffalo. Spiller, the ninth overall pick, is one of just two first-round draftees still without a deal. The only other unsigned first-rounder late Tuesday was No. 6 pick Russell Okung of Seattle after No. 2 Ndomakong Suh agreed to terms with Detroit on Tuesday evening. Last summer, Bills top pick Aaron Maybin was the second-last first-rounder to sign. In 2008, Bills top pick Leodis McKelvin was the"
Could Spiller Be NFL's Last #1 to Sign?
August 2
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"If you believe what you read, and you really shouldn't, then Bills #1 pick C.J. Spiller is in for a lengthy holdout. ESPN.com's Adam Schefter tweets that in his opinion Spiller will be the LAST of the NFL's 32 1st round picks to sign a contract. The NFL Network also believes the Bills and Spiller are nowhere near a deal, even though more than half the 1st round picks have now signed and are in training camps. Spiller's agent is Gary Wichard, who is part of an NCAA investigation concerning some North Carolina athletes, but that investigation probably won't have an effect on the Spiller negotiations with the Bills. Wichard clearly sees Spiller as a "special" player who deserves a "special""
C.J. Spiller absent as Buffalo Bills hit camp
July 29
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"It is that time of year in the NFL when fans scratch their heads and ask the simplest question: Why couldn't this have been taken care of by now? The Bills' first-round draft pick, running back C.J. Spiller, did not report to training camp at St. John Fisher College Wednesday with the rest of his new teammates. That's because like every other 2010 first-round pick, with the exception of Oakland's Rolando McClain, Dallas' Dez Bryant and New England's Devin McCourty, none has agreed to a contract. This is not breaking news, of course. This has been the case for almost every first-round pick as far back as memory serves, this silly game of waiting until camp opens to start talking. It's like"
Jackson finds motivation in Spiller pick
May 26
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"Fred Jackson was watching the NFL draft at home in Hamburg with a half dozen friends at the time. His wife, Danielle, was a week away from delivering their third child. You can imagine the scene when the Bills took running back C.J. Spiller at ninth overall. "It was a total shock," Jackson said Tuesday at the first day of minicamp. "Like everyone else, I was surprised." Jackson wouldn't go into any further detail about the group reaction to the pick. He's a team guy, a good soldier. Shortly after the draft, he got Spiller's phone number from a Bills coach and texted the rookie his best wishes. He welcomed Spiller to the team and said they could achieve great things together. But it had to"
Lynch ready to make best of tough situation
May 24
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Whether he's fighting for extra yards near the goal line, battling his way through off-the-field troubles or confronting an uncertain NFL future, Marshawn Lynch is tough to bring down. That was evident Friday afternoon when the Buffalo Bills' former starting halfback entered Octagon Football's temporary offices with his dreadlocks tucked inside a ski cap and a smile plastered across his broad face, a ray of sunshine amid the pastel-themed décor. "This is a niiiccceee spot," Lynch said to his agent, Doug Hendrickson, then lowered his voice. "I mean, it's kind of feminine in here." Later Lynch would turn serious, making his first public comments since the Bills drafted former Clemson back"
Spiller gets Bills dialed in for speed
April 23
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills injected some much-needed excitement into their offense Thursday night by selecting running back C.J. Spiller of Clemson with the ninth pick in the NFL draft. Spiller scored 51 touchdowns in his college career and 21 of them went for 50 yards or more. He has 4.32 speed in the 40-yard dash, making him the fastest running back the Bills have drafted since O.J. Simpson in 1969. "He's a playmaker — a guy that creates field position and scores points," Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said. "He's exciting. And we need some excitement, somebody who can make a big play and create some things on his own." The Bills' offense has ranked among the bottom eight in yards in the NFL"
Spiller was in no rush to leave college
April 23
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills won't have to worry about C.J. Spiller finishing what he starts. The Clemson running back could have entered the NFL draft last year as a junior. But instead of pursuing fame and fortune in the pros, he came back to college. He felt there were things he needed to improve, but his decision to stay in school had nothing to do about not being ready to play with the big boys. Spiller set a goal of getting his degree in sociology and wasn't leaving until he got it. "He's the right kind of kid," Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said after taking Spiller with the ninth overall pick Thursday night. "His mother wanted him to come out. He felt that he wanted to graduate by his"