PITTSFORD, N.Y. — It was the first day of padded practices at St. John Fisher University for Buffalo Bills training camp and there was plenty of physicality to go around.
Most players say that they actually look forward to putting the pads back on for the first time this season, but as always, Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver likes to keep it real.
“They excited but they really not excited," Oliver joked. "I think they be trying to psych themselves out you know. A lot of offensive guys. Everybody pretty much excited. Everybody had their little nerves, I’m pretty sure. Yeah you excited, yeah you nervous, yeah you just want to get the first day of pads over with. Just feel what it feel like to actually be playing football for real.”
The players weren't the only ones anxious and excited to get the pads on today either.
“Now we're playing the real game," Bills head coach Sean McDermott said. "The techniques and fundamentals, some of that still doesn't change. We've been working on those and it's important that those carry forward today when we're in pads.”
The team will be back out on the field in pads Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. as Bills training camp continues in Pittsford at St. John Fisher University through August 8.