| January 19, 2004 | « Previous Story | HOME | Next Story » | Posted at 08:50 PM |
One of three defensive rookies to make the Bills in 1988, nose tackle Jeff Wright, an eighth-round draft choice out of Central Missouri State, spent his first season playing behind five-time Pro Bowler Fred Smerlas. By the next year, they shared playing time with Wright on the field in most passing situations. After becoming Buffalo’s starter in ‘90, Wright totaled 76 tackles and five sacks, which was an improvement over the previous season when he and Smerlas combined for 49 tackles and four sacks. The team as a whole improved in ‘90. With a 13-3 record, the Bills won the AFC title and met the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. Wright stepped up again in the following year’s AFC Championship Game against Denver. Scoreless in the third quarter, watching game films and listening to the coaches paid off for the nose tackle when he recognized the Broncos setting up a screen play. Wright stopped his pass rush and tipped John Elway’s pass. The ball was caught by linebacker Carlton Bailey and returned 11 yards for the game’s first and only touchdown, as the Bills went on to win 10-3 and advance to Super Bowl XXVI.
Where are they now - Career stats
