I admit that my heart fell when I saw Stephon Gilmore’s reaction after he was announced as the Buffalo Bill’s 10th draft pick. No smile. Poker face. Did the Gamecocks cornerback really want to play here? Had Buffalo’s reputation for brutal winters giving him frozen feet? Maybe he wondered if a complimentary shovel and snow brush was covered under his contract.
Relax, fellow Bills fans. I jumped the K-gun! Fortunately, my fears are now laid to rest. Gilmore’s comments printed in the Buffalo News helped me release my breath.
“It’s a great feeling to be a Buffalo Bill,” said Gilmore. “They have great fans and they picked me at the 10th spot so I’m happy to play for them.”
WHY STEPHON GILMORE?
He is Big. Physical. Besides Gilmore’s obvious South Carolina statistics of 8 interceptions, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries, how can we argue with his impressive 4.40 seconds 40-yard dash? Most people take more time to tie their shoes.
One thing stands out for me. The guy has “team player” written all over him, minus the marker and white shirt. Said Gilmore to the Buffalo News, “I can do whatever the coaches want me to do, and whatever they want me to do I’m going to go hard at it and make plays to help my team win and make my fans happy.” Whew. . . we can cross narcissisim off the list.
MY GILMORE GRATITUDE LIST
1. Brawn AND Brains. Gilmore’s honor roll status impresses me. Usually, it signifies somebody who is an achiever, hard working, and motivated. I am grateful he is not what our high school refered to as a “Potter Rodent,” a student whose main goals in life are tampering with the hot dogs at class picnics, stealing cigarettes, and funneling beer, which brings me to my second point.
2. No murmurings of legal or substance problems. Awesome track record for Gilmore! No publicized drug, alcohol, domestic violence, or hit-and-run problems- the type of player that all teams want. My motto: Just play the game and stay out of trouble.
3. Versatility. The guy played quarterback and defensive back in high school. That’s some fantastic endurance! The advantage? Gilmore knows what to look for on both sides of the game, giving him a competive edge as a Bills cornerback.
4. “Mr. Football.” Gilmore won the “Mr. Football” title in South Carolina. While some folks may think those honors are corny and superficial, it is a positive title, better than something, like oh, I don’t know, “Mr. Potato Head?”
5. The Edge. According to former Tampa Bay coach and current ESPN sportscaster, John Gruden, Gilmore is strong at “coming off the edge on the corner blitz.” Gilmore is also pegged as excellent on the line of scrimmage.
Hey, I am happy with Stephon Gilmore as the Bills’ first round pick. He has a lot to offer this team, and I feel he will deliver as a playmaker. Looking forward to watching Gilmore in football action. Say cheese, dude 
