(WGR 550) -- The long-whispered rumors are true, Jim Kelly wants to be a part of the Bills ownership group.
According to USA Today and ESPN reports:
Kelly also said he wants to meet with the Bills front office and owner Ralph C. Wilson to offer his assistance in luring coaches and players to Buffalo, and eventually becoming part of an ownership group that would keep the Bills in western New York. Wilson is 91 and there are grumblings that after his passing, the Bills could be purchased by the highest bidder and moved out of Buffalo.
"He's kept this team here for 50 years when there's been so many opportunities for him to sell the team and for them to get rid of it and move it elsewhere," Kelly said of Wilson. "I would love for Mr. Wilson's legacy to live on in western New York as a guy who went the extra mile to make sure this franchise did stay well after his time. And I hope he lives to be 110."
Kelly also said he's ready for the Bills to move on from Trent Edwards, a player he said he likes personally, but has not succeeded in around three seasons under center.
So who should be Buffalo's signal caller of the future?
It's no surprise that Kelly would have an affinity for Tim Tebow. The hulking, tough former Bill played the game very much the way the current Florida Gators quarterback does. The two even share the same height (6'3").
So when Kelly said the Bills need a new quarterback, the Tebow superlatives were flowing.
"Whether it's Tim Tebow, whether they'll have a shot at him when draft time comes ... you have to look at the top three quarterbacks in the draft, really study them. And you look for a guy with good character, good leadership ability and good arm strength -- and a guy who doesn't come from California," Kelly said, according to the report.
The final sentiment is one that'll massage the ego of Bills fans, who've been quick to jump on Trent Edwards, J.P. Losman and Rob Johnson as California flame-outs. Nevermind that several big name quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Carson Palmer) are from The Golden State, California kids haven't worked in Western New York.
Tebow was born in the Philippines, and raised in Florida, where he won the 2007 and 2009 BCS Championships, as well as the 2007 Heisman Trophy.
"The teams that are struggling, they don't have a quarterback," Kelly added, according to the report. "You need that guy behind center, not only the guy who can throw the ball and make big plays. But to be the leader and be able to pull people together."
...just like Ralph. What is Jim going to wave a magic wand and "POOF" Tim Tebow appears and Ralph gives Jim part ownership ? It's nothing but hype as far as this "Ralph is ready to spend". Too little to late is in fact whatit is. It's a downward spiral that will take at least 3 yrs. to crawl out of. Dream on folks , it's the only thing left that Ralph can't ruin.
11/26/2009 10:37AM
The Simple truth....
Ralph is a horrible owner. When Polian became GM in 1986 it was typical Ralph going on the cheap, Polian had no experience and us fans groaned about the hire. Luckily for Ralph, and the fans, Polian was a brilliant football guy that fell into Ralph's lap. And in typical Ralph fashion he let him get away. Take away the Polian era of 81-46 and the Bills overall record is 270-345for a .438 winning percentage. By far the worst in the history of NFL franchises. Why can't anyone see this for what it is...Ralph sucks as an owner.
11/26/2009 11:06AM
Teambow
I often confuse Florida's uniforms with the Bills old ones. If you squint at the pic on the top of the page you can almost think he already is a Bill.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
11/26/2009 11:06AM
NO to Tebow
he is gna be a bust... a scrambling QB come on how many make it.....not many unless they learn to settle down and pass. Tebow isnt even that great when it comes to throwing he has a great Offense behind him....
11/26/2009 11:07AM
Jim Kelly....Wishful Thinker
I think the hits to the head are catching up with Jimbo. Does he or anyone really think the money guys in Detroit are going to tell Ralph to let Jim in on ownership ? After 50 yrs. Ralph is going to let someone in on ownership when the franchise has never been more valuable. Sorry Jim, no new joiners.
11/26/2009 11:22AM
Correction....
Atlanta, Arizona and Tampa Bay have winning percetages worst than .438. Still in all, not something a 50 Y.O. franchise can be proud of nor feel good about being on par with, but that is where the Bills truly stand all-time.
11/26/2009 11:24AM
Polian
Speaking of polian, i heard rumors that he wanted to come back to buffalo to win a championship because he feels that he didn't complete his job here.
11/26/2009 11:36AM
2009 title?
i didn't realize they had played the title game yet! evidently i slept through christmas. was it at least a good game?
11/26/2009 11:41AM
The guy kept the team here:
for 50 years so you can moan and groan how bad of an owner he is. Get a life buddy
11/26/2009 11:42AM
Condradiction
So Jimbo doesnt want a Cal Qb cause of the Buffalo weather but then says we should get Tebow??
Come on Jim! Locker or Pike or Offensive Line..
11/26/2009 12:16PM
Facts?
Since their inception in 1976 the Bucs have the worst percentage at .393. Ralph is not the best football mind but he ensured the survival of the Raiders during the AFL years, was key in the merger, and has kept the Bills in Buffalo. When he couldve made more money elsewhere. Sorry, but the facts show most franchises are below .500 in their history, if u bother to read them. www.coldhardfootballfacts.com there's an article on all time winning percentages.
11/26/2009 12:31PM
Like in 86 jimbo saves the Bills Again!!
Go Jimbo.... And bring us that Christian QB that can break the stronghold on this city.... Right place right time!!!!
11/26/2009 12:41PM
Make it happen
I hope Ralph is able to understand that when he passes so does this team. It would be great for Kelly to step up with an ownership group and keep the bills here. A hall of fame QB running the show and possibly the best Bill of all time, what more could we want. All we ask for is a chance to be competitive, give the fans some glimmer of hope. It is not too late for Ralph to make this happen. Maybe he can make the right move for a change. Lets hope and pray that he comes to his senses before it is too late
11/26/2009 1:48PM
You can't do that...
You can't just wipe out the Polian era. It happened. If you want you can wipe out the sorry era before Polian arrived and the Bills winning percentage as a franchise is much better.....
11/26/2009 2:53PM
Re:Jimbo saves Bills again
My man,you are right on brother.Bring in Tebow,who believes in his lord and savior,and bring in a christian leader who can set a example to wny that by having faith anything can happen.To our so called football fans,this is probally the best news a Bills fan can ever hear.Kelly is football for wny,and the man wants to keep it here.He has said in the past,this team isn`t going anywhere,and hes backing it up.AMEN!!!.Bring Tebow with you,and watch the bills climb from the bottom,Praise Jesus that someone has a vision.YOU GO JIMBO!!!!.
11/26/2009 3:00PM
Idiots
People who sit there and say wipe out eras of 7-8 years are morons. You could say the same about almost every franchise look at the Patriots take out this era with Tom Brady and Hoody man and the patriots are bad too.
11/26/2009 6:08PM
Tebow not the answer
Drafting Tim Tebow and expecting him to be a franchise quarterback would be a disaster. He will not be a successful NFL quarterback.
11/26/2009 6:19PM
sigh
you people are so negative...have some pride! GO KELLY!
11/26/2009 8:28PM
Tebow
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that Tim Tebow has taken fewer than a dozen snaps under center.
11/26/2009 10:50PM
Sorry Jim...
You'll never be invited to the grown up table, better enjoy the kiddie table. You will never have enough money to play with the big boys.
11/27/2009 12:06AM
Two--Words:
I bet that Jimmy Clausen ends up having a better NFL carreer, at Quarterback than Tebo. He's been coached--up by a Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator, in a "Pro--Style" Offense, -- -- as they say. I hope that we get him. Notre Dame's defense is what has made them underacheive so much, and be so Bad. Their Offense was actually very good. Clausen is supposed to have characteer, leadership abilities, intelligence in terms of his ability to process and assimiliate information quickly when it comes to learning an offense and reading a defense, and he definitely has a strong arm. He can made the "Deep--Out," and all of the other NFL throws. We should trade up to get him if necessary. Two Words: Jimmy Clausen!!
11/27/2009 12:11AM
Two Words:
Jimmy Clausen has been "Coached--Up," by a Super Bowl Winning Offensive Coordnator, in a Pro--Style Offense. He has a strong arm, and can make the "Deep--Out," as well as all the other NFL throws. We should trade--up to get him ifnecessary. Two words: Jimmy Clausen!!
11/27/2009 1:54AM
Kelly
I would love to see Kelly as part owner of the Bills!! He knows what it takes to win! He who knows maybe he could get Polian back!! The only thing stopping Polian from coming back here is that he doesn't want to work for Wilson!! Let's hope Jimbo can save the Bills again!!!
11/27/2009 3:45AM
Tebow
You draft Tebow for two simple reasons, character and leadership. Two glaring items missing from this entire organization. Tebow is infectious to his teammates. For all the people that remember the superbowl runs, wouldn't it me nice to see on player with a Talley-like approach to the game? I tend to agree that Tebow would not be a QB, but this team needs a leader, and that's what Tebow is
11/27/2009 5:03AM
Religious zealots
Face it Tebow can barely throw. His religious affiliation is of no consequence.
11/27/2009 8:55AM
What about McCoy
anyone watch last night? He's the real McCoy. He has a great arm and is tough as nails. I think when it comes to tough either Clausen or McCoy would fill the roll very well.
11/27/2009 9:31AM
The Truth...
I have lived in Florida for 21 years. I know college football very well. Tebow is an outstading consideration. He attends coaches meetings at 7A before classes. When he says he wants to win..NOTHING has stood in his way. The players rally around him and the fans revere him! He is smart, tough and will outwork any player on the team. He will get better. Now, let me also state this... I am a die-hard Florida State fan and he has kicked out butts for 3 years and will do so tomorrow. Claussen and Pike are not in the same league!!! Trust me. Seeing Tebow in a Bills uniform would solve may ills in the Buffalo Football FUTURE!!! Oh..He can throw fine, yet he can outthink any defense and has proven that at the collegiate level.
11/27/2009 9:44AM
Bills take a page from green bay
why dont we follow what green bay did and let the fans own the team
11/27/2009 10:11AM
what??????
tebow will not be goog because the lord will not let him
11/27/2009 10:30AM
Jimbo
Make it happen, Jim. You're the man!
11/27/2009 11:03AM
Insanity Detector Screeching!
Who doesn't love Jimbo? But seriously, talk to the reporter, THEN have a couple of beers, NOT the other way 'round. The ESPN guys killed him all day yesterday for the California QB comment, pointing out that Buffalo needs a QB from a cold weather climate --- like FLORIDA?!?!? Besides, Tebow probably won't even play QB in the NFL, much less be a franchise QB. Gimmick offenses are OK in college, where the Floridas and Texases have HUGE talent advantages on Vandy and Baylor. In the NFL, you have to line up and play ball against a defense that gets paid too. At the QB position, that means being able to throw the football. Tebow hasn't put up a ball in four years that hasn't quacked all the way to Riley Cooper. Against NFL-level defensive talent, a guy like Jairus Byrd would have eight picks by HALFTIME of Tebow's debut. It's Locker, Clausen, or wait 'til next year.
11/27/2009 11:09AM
Fact Check Fail
Brady and Carson Palmer are from Cali. Brees is a Texan.
11/27/2009 12:21PM
Brees
Brees is from Texas not Cali.
11/27/2009 12:38PM
Bills fan
tebow or mccoy would be nice.
11/27/2009 2:05PM
lol
Another Bills bust if you go for Tebow.
11/27/2009 3:33PM
Jim Kelly did not save the Bills
In fact "Jimbo" snubbed the Bills in 1983 and chose to go play in the USFL.Jim Kelly "saved" the Bills no more than Bruce or Thurman.BILL POLIAN SAVED THE BILLS.And Ralph got rid of him.
11/27/2009 4:36PM
Wake Up Guys!
Before we get A QB we need A solid offensive line! I don't care what QB you get,he can be superman for all I care,when the QB only has A second and A half to throw the football he can neither be accurate or effective! Watch the great teams in the NFL the Patriots,Colts,Saints,Vikings,and Steelers each one of those QB's have at least 3-6 seconds to throw the football! Mr.Wilson IT STARTS WITH THE OFFENSIVE LINE! Payton Manning Wouldn't even be effective with be our offensive line.
11/27/2009 5:48PM
Kelly
Nice to see Jimbo trying to keep team here
11/27/2009 6:29PM
Kelly wants piece of team.
I would pick Tebow over Pike & Clausen
11/27/2009 6:37PM
Bills' future
Every discussion is new QB. If available draft Ndamukong Suh DT-Nebraska
11/27/2009 9:44PM
NO QB!
Not in this draft. Why spend a top 10 pick on a QB you can't protect and would be damaged goods after 3 years? Grab a decent FA QB and build the rest of the O-Line and LBs with the draft.
11/28/2009 12:20AM
re: Bills' future
THERE's a voice of reason. The Boy Named Suh OUGHT to win the Heisman, if it went to the "best college football player in the nation."
11/28/2009 12:41AM
Forgetting a name
Colt McCoy anyone? A better NFL prospect than anyone that's been mentioned (maybe Claussen because of Weis).
Maybe he hasn't been mentioned because, as early as the Bills may pick, McCoy will most likely be long gone.
11/28/2009 1:53PM
Jim Kelly A True Bills Fan
Started and Ended his career in Buffalo. Jim needs to be involved in this Franchise - there are toooo many outsiders Sabotaging the Bills..
11/28/2009 4:02PM
O line
The Qb job does matter but sending in a rookie with already a rookie line front will take time to develop. Hopefully he doesnt get killed before it does.
11/28/2009 4:31PM
not a bad idea Jim
who would know about QB's better then one who was already one get T bow
11/28/2009 7:20PM
Kelly - A class act
Jim Kelly exemplifies what a Buffalo Bill's fan is and has done an amazing amount of work in this community. He has become an adopted son and has made the Buffalo area his home I think it would be great if he put an ownership group together. maybe Robert Rich,Jeremy Jacobs and Tom Gollisano would jump on board too. The city needs the team as this area has some of the most knowledgeable fans anywhere. thanks for continuing to try to make a difference here Jim!
11/28/2009 9:14PM
LunkHead
Tebow strikes me as a lunkhead. Kelly was a lunkhead too but he's irish so he's smart. Tebo is is not.
11/28/2009 9:32PM
Tim or Colt
Tebow will be a good if not great QB in the NFL. Why, you ask? Because he is a winner not a loser. He will win because it is who he is- just like Kelly. All you nay sayers are just plain wrong. Why did JP, with all the skills not make it? He's not a winner. Trent the Stanfrd guy- well, what was his record? Again, not a winner. I saw a few darts from Tebow today. Lastly, being a Christian will is certianly a positive thing in a world that can use some good. I like McCoy as well, he too is a winner.
11/28/2009 9:43PM
who cares
they wont win. the sabres wont win, buffalo wont win, its a loser town
11/28/2009 11:31PM
Tebow all day!
For all the haters out there who say Tebow cant throw the ball just look at his stats....since 2006 he has 81 passing tds compared to only 15 interceptions...how can you say he cant throw the ball? not only has he won 2 national championships(about to be3) he is a great leader and i think he would be a great fit in buffalo.i might actually have some hope for the bills. Do something right for once please? TEBOW BABY!
11/29/2009 2:07AM
uh say goodbye everyone
this is the end. The corporate interests are much bigger than anyone in the media is hinting at (re: the future of the Bills). No one will ride in and "save" the Bills. The Bills will most likely die a slow death and Buffalo will never get another NFL franchise once this one moves on. And you know what? It'll be a good thing. For a town the size of Buffalo it is better to focus all that energy on one team, namely the Sabres. Put your money and your mouth there, worry less about the Bills and more about the future of the city's economy, education, arts etc.
Imagine a town with a future instead of wallowing in the past.
Go public transportation!
11/29/2009 2:35AM
tebow
tebow will most likely be available in the 3rd round and even if you take him as an H back, and he busts it doesnt kill you. pick him up, open up the play book, use your first and second round to address the offensive line, and give jeff garcia a try out. played in philly and did well there, did well in tampa.
11/29/2009 6:56AM
Really Sully?
Quote: ...just like Ralph. What is Jim going to wave a magic wand and "POOF" Tim Tebow appears and Ralph gives Jim part ownership ? It's nothing but hype as far as this "Ralph is ready to spend". Too little to late is in fact whatit is. It's a downward spiral that will take at least 3 yrs. to crawl out of. Dream on folks , it's the only thing left that Ralph can't ruin.
Wow Jetty Sullivan, I figured with your own airtime, you wouldn't need to post on the WGR comments page....
11/29/2009 12:20PM
Polian ? Kelly ?
so how many super bowl's did we win with these 2 ?...ZERO...that's right ZERO..so why do people think they are the NEW answer to the same old problem...not to mention untill Mr.Wilson is gone none of these wild fantasy's can come true and if jimbo's wish come's true it's 19 yrs till then....how bout we come back to reality and think in the now...we don't even have a coach
11/29/2009 7:39PM
Drew Brees
is from Texas - grew up and played at Austin Westlake.
11/29/2009 8:28PM
Weiss...claussen combo
Be prepared Buffalo for a weiss / claussen combo coming to a show near you! Just think of the possibilities...I think we should keep Perry Fewell and go after Weiss..draft the domer and shore up the front line with FA pick-ups...i think it is bad that I am rooting for our team to lose so we can draft higher up...what the heck!
11/29/2009 8:50PM
Kelly's An Jock
Jim Kelly's an ex jock who played for the Bills 20 yrs ago. Didn't he take a stab at running a bar/restaurant and it failed along with him sticking it to his vendors. I really don't think Jim & his so called "investors" have the money or clout to obtain the Bills after Ralph Wilson's passing.
11/29/2009 10:05PM
BONEHEAD
Kelly is a BONEHEAD
11/30/2009 3:02AM
Mixed feelings
I think keeping the team here will only keep the Bills in a losing cycle, market too small, inability to attract quality players or coaches. JK might have something to add, but I feel without the fresh start, the team is destined for mediocrity. Like others have said, we never won a SB, so why bring these typ of people back into the mix?
11/30/2009 7:11AM
Please remember
Some of these folks on this blog who are suggesting our next quarterback, are the same ones who said Trent Edwards was the answer!
11/30/2009 10:05AM
All You Peuple Are IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jim kelly is the best thing that has ever happened to the bills organization i think he is much more qualified to judge the talent of who would make a good NFL QB over all you couch potato coaches that probally never played a down of football in your life is sure as hell cant be worse then this boneheads making descisons for our team now and im sure jim is not planning on buying the team himself he prop plans to bring in an investment group not to many people have 700 million laying around so to all of you who are criticizing JIM FOR MAKING A STAND FOR ALL OF WNY JUST SHUT YOUR DUMB ASS MOUTHS AND LET THE MAN WORK he has always been there in the past as are QB someone we can count on now let him be our future for our franchise GO JIMBO IM WITH YA AND SO ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE I KNOW SO BRING IT HOME BABY JUST LIKE INTHE 90'S THANKS JIM FOR BEING THE BEST PLAYER IN BILLS HISTORY AND THE BEST QB TO EVER GRACE AN NFL FIELD GOODLUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
11/30/2009 10:39AM
Re: All You Peuple Are IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO BRING IT HOME BABY JUST LIKE INTHE 90'S THANKS JIM FOR BEING THE BEST PLAYER IN BILLS HISTORY AND THE BEST QB TO EVER GRACE AN NFL FIELD GOODLUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!....Bring what home, 4 SuperBowl losses (in a row no less)? Most people around here haven't even got rid of the indelible stain of that memory. Best player in Bills history, maybe. Best QB ever to grace NFL field, you are not only an idiot, but a delusional idiot. Learn how to spell also!
11/30/2009 5:08PM
Work with Jeremy Jacobs
Jim should try to team up with Jeremy Jacobs, who quietly seems to be getting into position to buy the Bills. A great move, a local guy (Delaware North Company). We can only hope they have some secret plan with Ralph. Go lads, go!
11/30/2009 5:32PM
Jimbo - Lets Lose Another 4 Straight !
Jim Kelly you're a good guy , but you never had the right answers as aQB, you had 4 chances to win the big one - AND YOU BLEW IT
11/30/2009 8:35PM
Green Bay
The league changed the rules after the citizens of Green Bay bought the team. The NFL requires a majority owner (51% or more). Teams can no longer go public and be bought by the citizens.
12/01/2009 10:46AM
Mccoy
No is to small and to weak. Won't be able to take the hits in the NFL.
12/01/2009 4:00PM
YES JIM!
Buying a peice of the franchise would be the best thing that could happen to the Bills. Would you also include Thurman, Andre, Bruce? The ownership, management and coaching combinations from this would be phenomenal. The 2nd best thing that could happen to the Bills is drafting the next Rothlesburger (a.k.a. Tim Tebow). Not only does he have incredible talent & leadership, he's also spiritual and would be a huge evangelical presence in a city that needs hope, good news and positive role-models.
12/01/2009 9:04PM
donations
Jim...I will chip in my paper money...sorry it could not be more but I was thinking of buying the Sabres...uhhhhhhhhhh
12/03/2009 8:32AM
Tebow...fine, but not with a top 10 pick!
It's not that I don't like Tim Tebow, its that you don't take a "gamer" with a top 10 pick. You take a stud. Tebow will fall in this draft, now only if Jacksonville doesn't bite at around 17....take him in round 2.
ESPN Overnights
12am-6am
NHL General Managers are meeting to discuss how to limit hits to the head. What would you recommend?
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