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The Buffalo Bills signed defensive lineman DaQuan Jones early in free agency.
He’s not exactly a western New York native, but not far of.
From the Binghamton area, Jones is well aware of Buffalo and the team’s history. In fact, he saw one very distinctive Bills game live, in person, as a fan.
On Sept. 9, 2007, Jones attended the Bills’ home opener against the Denver Broncos.
That game was later known as the one where Kevin Everett suffered a scary neck injury on the halftime kickoff attempting to make a tackle.
Thankfully as time passed, it became a game known for the great outcome. Everett’s career was over, but he was able to walk again.
That was the first time Jones took in NFL action, he told the team’s website.
“I wasn’t really into football like that believe it or not growing up,” Jones said. “But my high school coaches were die-hard Bills fans. They took me to a Bills vs. Denver game when I was in seventh grade. It was quite an experience and something that’s coming full circle, being in Year 9 and being able to play in Buffalo and that being the first game I’d ever been to.”
“Been here a couple of times,” Jones added. “To me, it gives me a very home feeling. It feels very much like home. I can’t wait to get down there again to really explore it better.”
Jones, 30, was a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2014. He played there until 2020, signing with the Carolina Panthers for one year in 2021.
Last season in Carolina, Jones graded out as a solid mark with Pro Football Focus, a 66.4 overall.
Jones notched one sack and one tackle for loss last season.
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