Bills Mafia — #BillsMafia

Photo by Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier this month, I had the honor to talk to former Buffalo Bills offensive tackle, Langston Walker.

Langston Walker, is a gentle giant, 6’ 8” 345 lb. offensive tackle who played for the Buffalo Bills in 2007 and 2008, he was cut just before the beginning of the 2009 NFL season. He’s a phenomenal run blocker who can plow the road with the best of them and had underrated
pass blocking abilities. He is currently retired from the NFL and seemingly enjoying life by traveling the world.

Scott DelleFave: I just wanted to say thank you very much for this Langston, it’s truly an honor talk to you!
Langston Walker: No problem Scott, anything for the fans!

Scott: What was your greatest on and off the field memory while being in Buffalo?
Langston: My greatest on field memory was seeing Kevin Everett deliver the game ball before our home finally versus the Giants. It was the first time any of us had seen him after his horrific injury. It truly brought me to tears.

Best off field memory would be going to Niagara Falls for the first time. The amazing and hypnotizing power the falls had was beyond anything I could describe. I think I just stood there for about 20 minutes as I felt the energy rush around me. I have traveled around the world, the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and the Parthenon, and I felt this was right up there with them.

Scott: Growing up and playing the majority of your career in Northern California, what was the transition moving across the country like, and did you ever get used to the snow storms of Western New York?
Langston: The cold was no issue with me. I loved it in fact! California only really has 2 seasons, but in Buffalo I was able to see all 4. I really didn’t mind the weather unless it was sweltering hot.

Scott: Who would you say was the greatest influence on your playing career regardless of level?
Langston: My high school coach, Paul Perenon, was my greatest football influence. My parents had their part, but he really taught me about sportsmanship, dedication and overcoming adversity.

Scott: I saw on your Twitter timeline that you’ve played in NFL 36 stadiums, which was your favorite and least favorite and why?
Langston: I think a great stadium is more than a big screen or a huge locker room, it’s about the fans and the atmosphere. Playing at home in Oakland or Buffalo, which weren’t exactly the newest stadiums in the league, but were both great stadiums because of the energy of the fans. I’ve also had great times in opposing teams’ stadiums, talking back and forth with their fans. Especially the knowledgeable and respectful ones that know the game, not just the fans that say obnoxious things about people’s families or laugh when someone gets hurts. I will say this; Jerry Jones definitely spent some good money down in Dallas, though.

Scott: Is there anything else you’d like to say to Buffalo Bills fans?
Langston: I’d just like to tell Bills fans they are some of the greatest fans in sports. I would really like to thank them for accepting me into their family and making my time in Western New York a memorable one.

Editor’s note: Scott is starting a new segment for the Bills Mafia Blog called Alumni Spotlight, and in this case he had the privilege and honor to talk to former Bills tight end and LSU grad Robert Royal.

Robert celebrating with fans after a win over the San Diego Chargers in 2008. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

What have you been doing since you played last in the NFL?

Continuing to educate myself in business. Running the Robert Royal foundation. Consulting some players on money management, estate planning, taxation, liability protection etc. Investing and most of all spending time with my wonderful daughter.

What was the best on and off the field moment for you while playing for the Bills?

My best moment off the field in Buffalo had to been when I was the spokesperson for the Red Cross and raised awareness on blood donating. On the field, it was in a preseason game in Toronto when I scored 2 TDs. Because I had off season knee surgery and a lot of people were writing me off.

For the rookies and free agent players whom just joined the Bills this year, what advice would you give them about the fan base, and the city of Buffalo as a whole?

That Buffalo is a great place to live and do not listen to folks that never been. And since it is a very loyal place, just be ready for die hard fans that will do anything to see their team win.

Who was the most influential person for you growing up and during your playing career?

Growing up the most important person in my life was my Grandmother Shirley Jackson. R.I.P just the way she approached life everyday with the attitude to never give up, help developed me into the man I am today.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Buffalo Bills Fans?

Thanks you for all the wonderful memories in Ralph Wilson stadium. The support and love could have been no better.

Until the next time Go Bills!