Buffalo Bills players connect with students across Western New York, promoting teamwork and technical skills.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — It may have been an off day for the Buffalo Bills — but some players spent by being with the community that shows up for them every week.
Across Western New York, players and staff joined students for a day full of connection, learning, and teamwork.
At the Bills’ practice facility in Orchard Park, students took the field for the first-ever high school unified flag football program.
The program is a collaboration between the Buffalo Bills, Bills Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, and Special Olympics New York.
Eight schools from Buffalo to Rochester are part of the initiative — bringing together students. Bills players helped run drills and cheered on the athletes throughout the day.
“Having these kids out here playing where the Bills play and practice — seeing the smiles on their faces and how excited they are — there’s nothing better,” said Preston Teague, Senior Director of Youth Programs for the Bills.
Meanwhile, a few Bills players, including Christian Benford and Dewayne Carter, stopped by McKinley High School in Buffalo to check out the district’s Career and Technical Education programs.
Students there study trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry — and the players even tried their hand at some of the work.
“Buffalo really is a community,” said Carter. “The love they show us — we want to show it right back by getting out into the community, meeting people, and showing support.”
Robert Harris, Director of Career and Technical Education for Buffalo Public Schools, said the visit meant a lot to the students.
“This shows that they care,” Harris said. “They’re coming in to see what our kids are learning and standing side by side with them. That really shows how much they value their fans.”
Earlier in the day, the Bills Foundation teamed up with Wegmans and Grassroots Gardens for a “Huddle for Hunger” event at BPS 61 — the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction.
Students planted seedlings, tried fresh fruit, and even hopped on a smoothie bike — with some help from Billy Buffalo — to learn more about healthy eating and how to grow their own food.
“We’re always looking at how we can give back and make this community better,” said Michelle Roberts, VP of Community Impact and Executive Director of the Buffalo Bills Foundation. “Everyone’s really excited about our team right now, and we want to keep that positive momentum going.”