A Letter to EJ

by Mario Granata
A letter from a Buffalo Bills Fan to EJ Manuel of the Buffalo Bills.

To Erik,

 I am sure that you are deep into your off-season workouts for the upcoming season, so I will try to make my letter brief, but I can’t make any promises.  I am a Buffalo Bills fan.  I know when you hear from one of us, there are two sides of the coin.  Either we support you and think that you are going to be the one who takes us out of the darkness that we have been in for the past decade and a half.  Or, we think that you are another name on the list of quarterbacks who have failed to produce a consistent winner in Buffalo.  I happen to be a member of the former group.  

I have had the opportunity to play the quarterback position, so I know the feeling when people believe that you can get the job done, and, unfortunately, I have had my share of doubters.  Either way, I have had the drive and focus to go out there and perform on a daily basis.  Now, I understand that I haven’t played at the level that you have, not even close, but playing quarterback at any level comes with great responsibility.  

I can’t even imagine the pressure that comes with being an NFL quarterback, and especially one here in Buffalo.  Every throw, every decision, every move will be highly scrutinized more than any other team in the NFL.  The triumph and heartbreak of all that have come before you cast a shadow over One Bills Drive and can be daunting at times.  I believe that you can be the one who can bring success and victory to the Buffalo Bills.  

Those that are out there, in mass it seems, will doubt you or ‘hate’ on you for what you have done, or what you are going to do.  All I can say, and it might not seem like much coming from a fan, is that you keep being you, and playing your game.  Now, I am not a motivational speaker, nor am anyone who has any influence over what you do.  I am merely a fan of the Buffalo Bills and wish to see them prosper in the league.  

From Bayside, to Florida State and now the Buffalo Bills, the theme is still the same.  You have to work for everything, and nothing is handed out on a silver platter.  You have worked and will continue to work to be a success and in turn will make the Bills a contender.  I have the utmost faith that you can and will deliver here in Buffalo.  

In closing, just remember, for everyone who thinks that you can’t do it, there is someone out there who thinks that you can.  I am just one of the many that think you will do it, and I will enjoy the ride that you take the fans on throughout your journey.  Good luck this season and beyond.

From one QB to another, all the best,
A Buffalo Bills Fan