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(June 6, 2006) — BATAVIA — Thurman Thomas knows what it's like to be regarded as the best running back in the NFL. The former Buffalo Bill led the league in yards from scrimmage a record four consecutive seasons from 1989-92.
So how does the team's all-time leading rusher feel about Willis McGahee skipping all of the Bills off-season practices so far?
Thomas didn't mince words when asked about McGahee on Monday before teeing off in the 20th annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic at Terry Hills Golf Club.
"You know, those are those guys from the U," said Thomas, referring to players from the University of Miami. "They walk to a different beat. I wish he were at camp. He is basically the offense and they're putting in a new (system) and he should be a part of it."
The Bills, who will conduct another series of voluntary organized team activities this week and next week hold a mandatory camp, are holding their breath that McGahee will show.
Said Thomas: "I know when we played whether it was mandatory or voluntary, we showed up. "We didn't do a lot, but we showed up (laughter). Maybe it's a different breed now. But he (McGahee) is the main guy for the Bills' offense and if you want to be a true leader and if you call yourself the best back in the NFL, then you should act like it and show your true colors and be here."
Thurman Thomas is still one the great RB's this league has ever known. He knows what it takes to get to the Superbowl, and IMO MGahee just doesn't have the same heart.
This may be a dead hosre issue, but I'm glad its not going away.
Bruce Smith used to hold out on us, but this was well after he established himself as one of best DE's the league has ever known, but it was trainng camps he used to hold out of, I'm not sure about Bruce's voluntary camp attendance. Plus Bruce always held out for money, Willis is just not showing up.
IMO McGahee not being here will translate into a RB who is not a leader and a guy who when the chips are down doesn't have the heart or drive to be a consistent difference maker, or a game definer.
So the million dollar question. Will Willis show up at next weeks voluntary workout, or does he blow us off yet again? if he blows us off yet again will certain Bills fans still defend him ?
I really am interested in hearing all of Willis' reasons for not being here. I hope he shows up but even if he does I'm still sour on him. I expext our star RB to be here regulalry and to be a leader. I personbally won't pamper million dollar athletes, I expect them to be here.
I'll always root for WM as long as he's a Bill, but the writing is on the wall here, vets that blow off voluntary camps are not going to be Buffalo Bills for long during the Marv Levy era IMO.
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