Marcellus Wiley, a former Buffalo Bills defensive end, will be the Legend of the Game in the Bills’ Sunday afternoon game against the New England Patriots.
The Buffalo Bills selected Wiley with the 52nd overall choice in the 1997 NFL Draft. Throughout his four seasons with the Bills, Wiley recorded 19.0 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 130 total stops. Wiley broke out in his fourth season with the Bills, totaling 10.5 sacks.
“It’s an honor, but it’s surreal,” Wiley explained. “You don’t believe it can all come full circle, and then you get to come back and be a part of the weekend. “It’s an honor to be in front of the crowd and continue to cheer on the team with the same enthusiasm. I can’t wait.”
He is looking forward to seeing Bills Mafia again because he believes they are worldwide, not just national.
“I’ll never forget, of all the teams I’ve played for, all the things I’ve seen in the NFL, the days we used to go out to Wednesday practice and see some of those Buffalo Bills fans already tailgating, and I’m like, ‘Y’all know we play on Sunday?'”They’re like, “Yes, we know.” We’re just getting ready, and it’s Wednesday,” Wiley explained. “I could not believe it…” Everyone understands that if you’re a Bills fan, you’re 100% in.”
Wiley expressed his enthusiasm for the Bills’ success this season, as they hold an 11-3 record and the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
“I love it,” Wiley said. “Some might argue we’re even better than in past seasons. It’s just great to watch because Josh Allen is such a leader, such a talent. He’s really in his zone right now—this is his team, and everything moves with one heartbeat. This year, we truly feel like something special is on the horizon.”
He’s confident the Bills will be prepared to face their divisional rivals, the New England Patriots. While the Patriots sit at the bottom of the AFC East, Wiley acknowledged the challenge they still pose.
“The moment you see that Patriots uniform, you can’t help but be reminded of their legacy,” Wiley said. “Even if it’s not the same team, it’s still the same organization. Division rivals are always tougher than they appear. It’s not a game you can overlook, and it’s a great matchup for us as we sharpen our focus for the playoffs.”
Since retiring from the NFL, Wiley has dedicated himself to his foundation, Project Transition, and has pursued a career in media. He previously hosted shows on ESPN and Fox Sports and now runs his podcast, Hydration Situation, on YouTube.
“You’ve got to bring the same passion and energy to your next chapter as you did to football,” Wiley said. “I’ve been fortunate to have incredible experiences on camera, working with amazing talents. When the studio lights come on, I feel that same rush I used to feel when the ball was kicked off and the crowd went wild. The journey is far from over—I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Wiley will join the Bills Mafia in cheering on the team as they take on the Patriots this Sunday at 4:25 p.m.
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