Protect him at all costs: Jimmy Ciarlo’s emotional response after returning to the Bills is further proof why he belongs in Buffalo
A welcome addition to the organization.
If you’ve been tuning in to HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” the latest episode heavily featured Buffalo Bills linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo and receiver K.J. Hamler. Ciarlo was a roster casualty on cutdown day despite flashing in limited reps after joining the team late in training camp. However, the Bills brought back the camp darling as part of their practice squad, and the fan base was more than a little excited. Speaking at practice, he opened up about the process and what it meant to him to be with the organization.
“It’s surreal. It’s been emotional,” Ciarlo said. “A year ago, I thought all my hopes and dreams were crushed. So it’s been a really emotional journey. With all that emotion, it’s just been really surreal.”
During the team’s preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he got extended playing time so the team could really see what he brings to the table. While it didn’t earn him a spot on the initial 53-man roster, he was a lock for the team’s practice squad and was all smiles when talking about his saga with the Bills so far.
“It’s been a blast, I’ve had a ton of fun,” Ciarlo began. “I was just telling some of the guys in the locker room after the game down at Tampa that this has been the most fun I’ve had playing football in my whole life. Just these past three weeks, it’s been a blast.”
Protect Ciarlo at all costs.
During “Hard Knocks,” Ciarlo was seen at the team’s facilities late at night watching film and trying to hone his craft. He explained in the episode that he came to Buffalo for a tryout with two changes of clothes, with his car still in New Jersey. Living out of a hotel and sacrificing so much to fulfill his dream, he took a beat to discuss whether he’ll be able to get his car back to Western New York before the season begins, and if he could breathe a sigh of relief after joining the practice squad. He gave an excellent response that proves he’s ready for the challenge while garnering even more love from the Bills Mafia.
“We have a couple of days off this week, so hopefully I’ll be able to fly home and bring my car up at least,” Ciarlo told reporters. “But no, to answer your question, it’s not a big deep breath because this league is crazy. A job that’s here today isn’t guaranteed tomorrow. I plan on working hard and continuing to progress, and I don’t want to take the back seat. I want to keep progressing, keep getting better, keep getting stronger, keep getting faster, and just prepare these guys. Just be a professional in that way.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Ciarlo finished his preseason with the Bills playing 80 snaps on defense (35 in rush defense, one in pass rush, and 44 in coverage) that resulted in 11 tackles and a fumble recovery while allowing seven receptions for 49 yards on 10 targets through three preseason games. On special teams, he played 43 snaps (16 kick return, seven kick coverage, five punt return, 10 punt coverage, and five in field-goal block), earning an overall grade of 72.3 with two tackles and one assisted tackle.
He’s earned a spot on the practice squad, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come with Ciarlo in his career. It’s important to note that even though he’s on the practice squad, a team can sign him directly from there, but must activate him to its 53-man roster. Perhaps we’ll see him in action as soon as Sept. 7 when the team takes on the Baltimore Ravens as part of the special teams unit. Regardless, he’s in Buffalo for now, and Bills Mafia is more than a little happy — rightfully so.
For now, Ciarlo remains on Buffalo’s practice squad, working for a chance to make the active roster.
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