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Buffalo Bills Legend Signs One-Day Deal to Assist Coaching Staff Against Jets

This Day in Buffalo Sports History, Dec. 29, 1996: Bruce Smith named NFL's  Defensive Player of the Year

Orchard Park, NY – September 13, 2025

The Buffalo Bills have announced a one-day contract with Hall of Fame legend Bruce Smith, bringing him back in a supporting coaching role with the defensive staff for their Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets.

This move carries deep significance for a Bills team looking to rebound from an inconsistent defensive performance in their thrilling Week 1 comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The defensive line, in particular, faces challenges with key injuries: defensive tackle Ed Oliver is sidelined with an ankle injury, expected to miss multiple weeks, and the team is still adjusting to a revamped defensive front following a significant overhaul in the offseason.

Smith, the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 200 career quarterback takedowns, including 171 during his tenure with the Bills, brings unmatched expertise and a commanding presence. His role will focus on mentoring the defensive line, instilling technique, and inspiring a unit aiming to disrupt Seattle’s potent passing attack led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who is coming off a strong Week 1 performance.

Head coach Sean McDermott spoke highly of Smith’s return, emphasizing his enduring impact:
“Bruce was a cornerstone of this franchise, leading our defense to four straight Super Bowls. His presence brings clarity and fire to our players. When he’s here, everything feels easier than it should, no matter the challenges. He led the Bills with dominance back then, and that legacy will continue to inspire us now.”

For Bills Mafia, seeing Smith back on the sidelines is a powerful reminder of the team’s storied past. The 62-year-old legend, still a beloved figure in Buffalo, represents resilience and excellence. His journey with the Bills, from the No. 1 overall pick in 1985 to the franchise’s greatest defensive player, has never truly ended—and on Sunday, it will continue in a meaningful new chapter.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.