The Buffalo Bills have pledged to cover all medical expenses for one of the franchise’s most iconic offensive linemen.
This move reaffirms their lifelong commitment to the players who helped shape the team’s proudest era.
Bills President of Football Operations Brandon Beane announced the decision in a heartfelt statement.
He paid tribute to a player whose powerful blocking, durability, and leadership defined the Bills of the 1970s.
“He built the foundation that others stood on,” Beane said.
“He fought for this team every Sunday, and now it’s our turn to fight for him.”
“Once you’ve worn the blue and red, you’re part of our family forever.”
That promise was made to a cornerstone of the Bills’ offensive line in the 1970s.
Known for his exceptional strength and run-blocking ability, he became one of the most dependable guards in NFL history.
He helped open the way for one of the greatest rushing seasons in league history.
During his time with Buffalo (1973–1979), he was a key part of the famed “Electric Company” offensive line.
He earned six Pro Bowl selections and was a multiple All-Pro.
He was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
His dominance at guard created massive running lanes and embodied tough, disciplined football.
His consistency and leadership set the standard for offensive line play in Buffalo.
Teammates described him as a warrior who dominated the trenches.
He played in 185 consecutive games over his career.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
He also entered the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame.
His name stands alongside the greatest in franchise history as a symbol of the team’s 1970s resurgence.
As word of his illness spread, former teammates, fans, and coaches flooded social media with messages of gratitude and love.
For the people of Buffalo, this Hall of Famer isn’t just a legend – he’s a reminder of what Bills football truly stands for: loyalty, toughness, and family.
That promise was made to Joe DeLamielleure, the Hall of Fame offensive guard who became a cornerstone of the Bills’ powerful offensive line.
The New England Patriots (14-3) and the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) face off on Sunday in the wild-card round. The Patriots are looking to stay hot, currently riding a three-game winning streak.
The offense, which averages 28.8 points per game, is led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He can be attributed to much of the team’s success, completing 354-of-492 passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 113.5 passer rating. He’s also rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns on 103 carries.
With him under center, the Patriots are looking to make it past the wild-card round for the first time since 2018.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
While pressure mounts on Maye and New England, the 23-year-old quarterback continues to earn recognition. On Friday, days before playing the Chargers, the Patriots announced Maye has been named a finalist for one of the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year.
“earned this nod ↕️ @DrakeMaye2 | @FedEx,” the team wrote via an X post.
For the first time, there will be three winners, one quarterback, one running back and one wide receiver/tight end. The recipients will be selected by fans, with voting open from Jan. 9 to Feb. 4.
The other quarterbacks to be named finalists are Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Maye has the potential to be the first Patriots player to ever win the award. The winners will be announced on Feb. 5 at the NFL Honors ceremony.
He can continue making his case against a Chargers pass defense that has been strong. Los Angeles finished the regular season ranked fifth in passing yards allowed per game (179.9).
DraftKings placed the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium, airing on NBC and Peacock.