Rookie WR Keon Coleman Embraces History, Becomes Bills Mafia Hero

Andre Reed has been there, done that.

After being selected 86th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1985 NFL Draft, Reed began building a Hall of Fame career as a receiver in the NFL’s vaunted K-Gun offenses. late 1980s and early 90s. Frankly, when it came to catching passes for the Bills, no one did it better than Reed, who had 13,095 yards and 86 touchdowns in the regular season for a 15-year term.

That’s why it made perfect sense for rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman to connect with the Bills legend and seek advice from a decorated predecessor.

“It just happened, I was taught to always respect those who came before you. The path he made here and the legacy he left here, (a) Hall of Famer. I just felt like it was a respectful thing to reach out and ask him for any advice he can give me,” said Coleman, who contacted Reed after the Bills selected him at No. 33. overall ranking last month.

As it turns out, Coleman’s respectful gesture was well-received by Reed and the former No. 83 provided some guidance.

“Really embrace the process,” Coleman said. “As things start to calm down, we’ll continue to talk more. When I reached out, there was a lot going on, back and forth, trying to get back to training, everyone traveling and everything else I can’t wait to have more conversations, but the main thing was just to enjoy the process, absorb everything you can, put your head down and be ready. to work.

Coleman, who turns 21 on May 17, has shown a wise willingness to embrace the past.

“I’m just showing my respect, that I respect everything he’s done and (I’m) looking forward to competing as Bill,” Coleman said. “I wasn’t born when Jordan was playing, but I still know who he is. To learn about football, you have to know. You have to know the guys who came before you. That’s an important thing.”

This is another example of Coleman showing good judgment since his selection. As a result, he quickly gained cult hero status within the Bills Mafia.