1. Mark your calendar for "Marcell Dareus Day"
For fans planning an outing to the Bisons game on Tuesday, June 13, expect far more than just a night at the ballpark. Themed "Marcell Dareus Day," the game will feature the Bills defensive tackle throwing the ceremonial first pitch and signing autographs. Through his foundation, the Pro Bowler will also be making it possible for a special group of guests to attend the game. Dareus will donate $2,500 to the Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation, allowing 100 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo through the United Way to have a fun-filled evening.
2. Fan-favorite Fred Jackson to speak at Buffalo News Prep Talk Awards
Former Bills running back Fred Jackson will be making his way back to his old stomping grounds on Wednesday, June 14 to speak at the fourth annual Buffalo News Prep Talk awards. Each year the event celebrates Western New York's most notable high school athletes and features a guest speaker. Beloved by Bills fans for his contributions on the field and in the community during his nine-year tenure with the team, Jackson is a perfect candidate for the job. Jackson joins the likes of Andre Reed and Steve Tasker who were previously selected for the honor.
3. Shady links up with WR Antonio Brown
Just a few weeks after hosting his own charity softball game, LeSean McCoy will head to Pittsburgh to show his support for the second annual Antonio Brown & Friends Softball Game. Friends with the Steelers WR, McCoy is one of several celebrity guests, including Le'Veon Bell and Chad Johnson, who will line the roster. Held on June 17, the event will feature a homerun derby, a seven-inning game and a tribute to Steelers legend Dan Rooney, who made a significant impact on Brown. Proving that football really is family, Brown, McCoy and crew will do their part to make this Father's Day weekend one to remember.
Photos of all the action from the fourth annual LeSean McCoy Foundation Charity Softball Game held in Rochester, N.Y.
4. Bills players get out and get active at Play 60 Field Day
The Bills recently teamed up with the Independent Health Foundation and the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association to celebrate the completion of two fitness challenges for the 2016-17 school year, the Play 60 Challenge and the Fitness for Kids Challenge, by hosting a Play 60 Field Day at local Windom Elementary.
The school was selected for the special, fun-filled day due to its outstanding participation in both the Play 60 Challenge and Fitness for Kids Challenge. The event featured a variety of activity stations for the 5th graders, which were each led by the Bills. Ecstatic to spend time with some of their favorite players, the youngsters were proud to take part.
For newcomer FB Mike Tolbert, the outing gave him a greater sense of what it means to be a Buffalo Bill.
"Just being able to get out into the community, this is a new area for me, a new type of environment, just to see these kids' faces…is fun," explained Tolbert. "I'm happy to do it...As a player for the Bills, it's a totally terrific experience. Wherever I go, and I tell people who I am and what I do, the excitement level is so high."
Sharing laughs, creating memories and instilling positive habits, is something that the kids and players will never forget.
"It's great," said LB Preston Brown. "My dad's a gym teacher, so I come from a family trying to get kids active. We all love to see kids smile and to make the kids' day, so it's great to come out here because it made our day as well."
5. Hyde hopeful for HUGE turnout at first-ever foundation event
Bills new safety, and Ohio native, Micah Hyde will head back home this weekend to host his first-ever football camp. The free event is expected to bring in upwards of 500 young athletes in grades 4-8. The family-friendly camp will give youngsters a chance to learn football's fundamentals from some of the NFL's standout players. Proceeds from the day will benefit Hyde's new foundation, IMagINe For Youth.
6. LB Preston Brown remembers his roots by holding free camp
Micah Hyde isn't the only Bills player who will be giving back to his home community this weekend. Linebacker Preston Brown will also be holding a football camp on Saturday, June 10 at Northwest High School in Cincinnati. Never forgetting where he came from, Brown's camp will be free and is open to kids aged 5-12.
