Josh Allen's QB 'RANKING' and special guest BROTHER BILL joins the party

Summary

Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Josh Allen's QB 'RANKING' and Special Guest BROTHER BILL
Release Date: July 16, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Special Guest: Brother Bill

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Episode Overview

This episode covers two main themes:

• A deep dive into ESPN’s new NFL quarterback rankings, particularly Josh Allen’s position and the debates it sparks among Bills Mafia and league observers.
• An extended, light-hearted interview with Buffalo Bills superfan and content creator "Brother Bill," who shares insights about his viral videos, experiences with Bills players, and some bold Bills predictions.

The show delivers its signature blend of behind-the-scenes Bills reporting, passionate fan banter, and plenty of humor—moving effortlessly from football analytics to food debates.

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Main Discussion Topics

1. Reaction to ESPN’s 2024 NFL Quarterback Rankings

(Start: 02:51)

• Context: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler surveyed 80 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 quarterbacks.
• Top 5:
  1. Patrick Mahomes
  2. Joe Burrow
  3. Josh Allen
  4. Lamar Jackson
  5. Matthew Stafford

Key Talking Points & Debates

• Allen at No. 3: Justified or Not?
  • Hosts express mild outrage that Allen is ranked third instead of second.
  • Quote: “Let’s just get irrationally upset about rankings.” – Mike Catalana (02:52)
• Burrow Over Allen: Why?
  • General consensus is a Super Bowl appearance elevates Burrow, on team success rather than individual play.
  • Quote: “I don’t think there’s anything else Burrow has done at a better clip than Josh Allen... That’s it—he’s made a deep run.” – Mike Catalana (05:00)
• Allen’s Durability vs. Burrow’s Absences:
  • The hosts note Josh Allen has played through injuries and wonder if Burrow’s absence “helps his lore.”
  • Quote: “The fact that Burrow’s been hurt almost makes the lure of: when he’s out there, they’re automatic winners because...look at how bad they are without him.” – Mike Catalana (08:35)
• Lamar Jackson at No. 4:
  • Hosts discuss Lamar’s MVPs versus his lack of postseason success.
  • Quote: “I think it is a bit of a…negative for Lamar…A two-time MVP who’s gone nowhere.” – Dan Fates (10:55)
• Surprise: Matthew Stafford at No. 5:
  • Questioning Stafford’s placement given injuries and age.
  • Suggestion: C.J. Stroud should be higher.
• “Narrative” and “Swag” Impact:
  • Discussion of how personality and media narrative (e.g., Burrow’s “swag,” Herbert’s upside) unfairly affect rankings.
  • Quote: “The narrative around you so much will be factored into how people view you.” – Jenna Cotrell (18:49)
• Process Correction:
  • The hosts clarify how the voting system actually works after initially misstating it, resulting in playful on-air ribbing.

Notable Segment

• Nitpicking Top 10:
  (13:44–19:28)
  • The team debates Herbert and Lawrence’s placement given their unproven playoff record, and whether Dak Prescott is underrated.

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2. Interview with BROTHER BILL – The Bills Mafia Content King

(20:16–39:40)

The Rise of Brother Bill

(21:05–22:21)

• Started as a meme account in 2019, became a beloved Bills Mafia creator during COVID.
• Quote: “I was finally like, I should stop annoying people and make a Bills account just because I know I’m pretty funny and creative.” – Brother Bill (21:05)

His Viral Video Process

• All content is made on his phone, usually with his fiancée filming, and ideas often pop up spontaneously.
• Quote: “The planning is really hard… when you have to try to think of creative ideas and new ideas every week, it gets really hard.” – Brother Bill (22:40)

Notable Bills Player Interactions

(24:10–29:34)

• First player to notice him was Stevie Johnson.
• Eric Wood is now a friend and has appeared in his videos.
• Candid stories of cutting Bills players’ hair at training camp; cut Tyrod Taylor’s hair on the day he signed an extension.
• Memorable moment: Someone at training camp once handed him their baby for a photo.

Perspective on the 2024 Bills

• Points to Sean McDermott’s tendency to overcoach in big moments as a concern.
• Excited about new weapons, especially Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir.
• On Stefon Diggs: bittersweet about his departure, but understands both sides.
• Quote: “Their relationship between Josh and Diggs, playing-wise, maybe was at a point where they couldn’t have meshed anymore.” – Brother Bill (31:17)
• His dark-horse pick for 2024: rookie pass rusher Javon Solomon.
• Predicts Curtis Samuel will lead the team in receiving (among wideouts), Kincaid possibly as a close contender.

The Josh Allen Criticism Debate

• Discussing if criticism of Allen in Buffalo is fair.
• Quote: “Maybe outside the Buffalo bubble, he does get some decent criticism, but inside… seems like maybe not, which could hinder you.” – Brother Bill (33:07)

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3. Buffalo Food & Travel Recs from Brother Bill

(34:58–36:02)

• Must-visit spots: Strong Museum (kids), Seabreeze, Whiskey River, Windjammers, Ziggy’s (wings).

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4. Off-the-Rails: Food Hot Takes, Chain Restaurant Draft, and Banter

(39:44–End)

• Extended, light-hearted debate about favorite chain restaurants—Chili’s, Applebee’s, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Outback, Pizza Hut and more.
• Chicken cutlets earn “elite” status; s’mores take a beating.
• The hosts riff on Rochester dining, road trip traditions, and childhood food nostalgia.
• Quote: “Chicken cutlets are the exact opposite of s’mores. They’re elite and s’mores are not.” – Mike Catalana (44:24)
• Audience prompt: “Comment in with your favorite chain restaurant… and how much you love Chili’s. It’s not IF you love Chili’s, it’s HOW MUCH you love Chili’s.” – Mike Catalana (49:25)

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Memorable Quotes (With Timestamps)

• “Let’s just get irrationally upset about rankings.” – Mike Catalana (02:52)
• “You know how bad the Bengals are when Joe Burrow is not on the field? They are a bad football team.” – Mike Catalana (07:53)
• “I just love arguing on July 15 about where people think of quarterbacks.” – Mike Catalana (19:32)
• “I should stop annoying people and make a Bills account just because I know I’m pretty funny and creative.” – Brother Bill (21:05)
• “I do it all on my phone… it’s not that professional.” – Brother Bill (23:48)
• “There was one training camp, someone handed me their baby for a picture. That’s when I was like, okay, this is wild.” – Brother Bill (26:43)
• “I’ve definitely been critical of Sean McDermott in the past… sometimes he’s a little too…paranoid in the big moment.” – Brother Bill (30:13)
• “Chicken cutlets are the exact opposite of s’mores. They’re elite and s’mores are not.” – Mike Catalana (44:24)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• QB Rankings Breakdown: 02:51–19:39
• Brother Bill Interview: 20:16–39:40
• Buffalo Food/Travel Recs: 34:58–36:02
• Off-the-Rails Food Takes: 39:44–51:13 (end)

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Tone & Style

The show maintains an easygoing, humorous, and passionate tone, punctuated by authentic Bills Mafia energy. Episodes blend informed reporting with the relatable perspective of fans and insiders—never shying from friendly roast battles, quick-witted asides, and bold opinions.

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For New Listeners

This episode offers an essential snapshot of current Bills fan anxieties, optimism for the 2024 season, and the digital culture of fandom. With an engaging special guest interview, nuanced football analysis, and classic banter, it’s a must-listen for any diehard or casual Bills fan.

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Next up: The crew tease a “mailbag” episode leading into Bills Training Camp, inviting fan questions and comments—especially about favorite chain restaurants.

Transcript

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[Brother Bill]

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[Dan Fates]

What is it like when Dan Faith sits in your chair?

[Mike Catalana]

Where did this podcast go off the rails?

[Dan Fates]

Is it start with hot takes or.

[Brother Bill]

No, he's. I feel like we have, like, similar but also contracting points of views. So, like, he'll go on like a. We'll get to like, we'll agree to the same point. And then all of a sudden he goes this way.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, yeah.

[Brother Bill]

I'm like, oh, yeah. I thought we were on the same track.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We'll argue about the same things, but we're saying and making the same points.

[Mike Catalana]

Mine, they're better. This is the Buffalo plus podcast, brought to you by Connors and Ferris.

[Jenna Cotrell]

All right, welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast, presented by Connors and Ferris, Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cotrell. The gang is all here. We're all back together.

[Mike Catalana]

Well rested.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Or more tired than when we left.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Let's talk a little vacation. But no, before we get started, please be sure to, like, comment and subscribe to the podcast. We always appreciate it. Be sure to share as well. Today we're joined by our special guest.

[Mike Catalana]

Also on the Go Audio.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. I was gonna plug that a little later, but we'll plug it now.

[Mike Catalana]

We'll plug it now, too.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Wherever you listen to your podcast, check us out if you're on the go. We appreciate it.

[Dan Fates]

You know you get podcasts on your phone. Did you know that I learn new stuff every day?

[Mike Catalana]

Our IT guy. Our IT guy, Mike Catalano. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

And I take care of all that for these.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Can you say the phrase free flowing?

[Mike Catalana]

Free flowing.

[Dan Fates]

Free flowing, Jenna. Free struggle.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I really struggled last episode and I hammered it like a couple times.

[Dan Fates]

And just so everybody knows, you were not the host.

[Mike Catalana]

Hi.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Hi. Oh, yeah. No, not high.

[Dan Fates]

Hashtag not high.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Not high. We should show them the NFL pictures. How funny that was. Oh, my God. Wait, before we do all that, though, we have special guests.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Brother Bill in the house. Great interview with him. You're gonna love it. We'll have that coming up. We're also going to talk NFL rankings, specifically quarterbacks, specifically where Josh Allen fell on the list. And if we think that's adequate.

[Dan Fates]

And we might have some stories, some.

[Mike Catalana]

Vacation stories, all the things.

[Jenna Cotrell]

All right, so where do we want to start?

[Mike Catalana]

Rankings.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Why not? Because let's get. Let's just get irrationally upset.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Got it.

[Mike Catalana]

About rankings.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, so these rankings were Jeremy Fowler of. Right. Of espn.

[Mike Catalana]

Correct.

[Dan Fates]

Said he reached out to people in the league.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Correct.

[Dan Fates]

GMs, yeah. Scouts.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That says coaches, execs.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. 80 voters voted one player at every position. And then those get tallied and those did. He's already done running backs, defensive backs, edge, rusher, safety, so on and so forth. So the big one today as we record this on Monday the 15th, was that quarterbacks came out and Josh Allen is not number two.

[Dan Fates]

Isn't that something? How far Buffalo Bills football has come when it's a thing that your quarterback is not number two correct in the rankings.

[Mike Catalana]

We talk about that a little bit with brother Bill and understanding of where this franchise has come in, the criticism that Josh gets from either outside or inside the city of Buffalo.

[Dan Fates]

And Jenna is going to get us started in this. But in terms of this, to me, what's interesting is. Listen, we don't have to tell you number one is Mahomes. Okay. Okay. He's one. He's been great. MVPs, all those things. To me, it's about what are these people? Because there's going to be ways when you're talking about being third in the NFL, that's pretty damn good. But why isn't he second? Or we know why he's not first, but why wouldn't he be second?

[Mike Catalana]

Correct.

[Jenna Cotrell]

What criteria.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

People use to assess what the ranking would be. And I do think it's interesting because when I think you look at. So it's Patrick Mahomes as one, Joe Burrow as two, Josh Allen at three, Lamar Jackson at four, and Matthew Stafford at five. So what puts Joe Burrow, Dan, in this list ahead of Josh Allen?

[Mike Catalana]

It's one thing.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's going to a Super Bowl.

[Mike Catalana]

It's a Super Bowl. He has a Super bowl appearance. That. That's the bottom line. Whether. How you want to look at that. I don't think there's anything else that Burrow has done at a better clip than Josh Allen. That he's made a deep run in the playoffs. That's it. He's beaten Mahomes in the playoffs. That is something Josh hasn't done and that's it.

[Dan Fates]

And he beat Allen in the playoffs.

[Mike Catalana]

Correct? He's beating both of them, right?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes, that's true. That game feels.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, I know.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Like there's, you know, when you look at the box score, it doesn't really equate to where that team was feeling.

[Mike Catalana]

But I also like how they have the rankings. Obviously, it's one each year. Right. So just one person gets their one vote. Mahomes, his highest ranking obviously is one. His lowest ranking is two.

[Dan Fates]

So I was wondering who didn't vote.

[Mike Catalana]

Him won, but that's where I find it funny or whatever. Burrow's Highest ranking is 2. His lowest ranking is 7. Josh, his highest ranking is 1. So whoever somebody picks Allen over Mahomes and that his lowest ranking is 6. So it almost seems like Burrow has the lower. You would say Burrow has the lower floor.

[Dan Fates]

I guess. Yeah. I mean, right.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm just saying, like the way that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Again, I think Burrow's pedigree to winning in college equates. And I also think the Super Bowl, I, I think I've, I think people swaggy Joe with like, that's, I was.

[Mike Catalana]

Wondering about like, aura, like, where does that. And I, I, I, I disagree. I don't think that it weighs into this.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I, I mean, I think that's absolutely a part of people's decision making. You might not think that doesn't equate to on the field success. Absolutely. But I think in some people's minds, they think of the swagger that Joe Burrow has, the player where he has played, that he has won, at least at the college game. I think that, I think that does play in my thing is the injuries. I mean, that to me is why you would put Josh Allen. And it's, it's tough because Allen's. The team's success has been obviously cut short of the super bowl appearance with Josh Allen and more and, and kind of playing on that platform and losing to the Chiefs. But it's like when you look at the body of work that Allen has produced in the playoffs, I mean, it's unreal.

[Dan Fates]

I think Joe Burrow is a great player. I think if he was the Buffalo Bills quarterback, you'd be thrilled.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Right.

[Dan Fates]

Not ahead of Josh Allen, but in general, you got Joe Burrow. You got one of the best.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Josh Allen is a better football player than Joe Burrow. Burrows had more success, team success. He's played big and big moments. He's done all those things. I am not knocking him I'm saying is, of the two guys, I think Josh and Jenna's point about being on the field is a big thing because Burrow has been knocked out a couple of times in his career.

[Mike Catalana]

But that's where it helps Burrow. And let me explain why in my. My. The way I look at it is, you know how bad the Bengals are when Joe Burrow is not on the field. They are a bad football team. Josh has played through injuries over the last few years. If Josh wasn't on the field and the Bills all of a sudden lost four games in a row, without Josh Allen, the perception would be the Bills need Josh Allen while there still is that it's still Josh Allen's team and the Bills need him. I think the fact that Burrow's been hurt almost makes the lure of man when he's out there. They're automatic winners because of. Look at how bad they are without him.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Is it because of Swagger, too?

[Mike Catalana]

No, no. It's the fact that when he's not on the field, they suck.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. I don't know if that outweighs Jenna's point of. He shows up. Josh is on the field because NFL teams, people in charge, want that guy on the field. Listen, Mahomes has gone out for like a quarter, and whichever backup was out there kept them alive in those games. And they. That playoff game, well, it happened with.

[Mike Catalana]

It was Chad Henny.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Chad Henny.

[Dan Fates]

And he drove him down the field like he kept the thing afloat. But it's not like they lost him for six weeks.

[Mike Catalana]

But you understand what I'm saying?

[Dan Fates]

I totally understand.

[Mike Catalana]

It's almost like with him not on the field, he gets the perspective. Well, it's that he's better when he's not on the field because of. Look at how bad they are when he's not.

[Dan Fates]

He's pretty good when he's on there, but.

[Mike Catalana]

But it's like that Mike Trout, like, he doesn't play. And you're like, remember, you know how good he is. And you. You. You forget all the other things. Like, again, I think staying on the field is what should have put Josh Allen ahead of Joe Burrow. I think in the. In the tears that we've all talked about, it's Mahomes, and then it's Allen right underneath Mahomes because of the accolades and the accomplishments that he doesn't have to Patrick. But the sense is. Is that like. I think it's almost like Joe's getting credit for being not on the field and Josh is Getting not the discredit because he's staying on the field playing hurt. Because Josh has been hurt these last few years. He's just played through it.

[Dan Fates]

I, I think listen, there's, they're two and three here.

[Mike Catalana]

I think if someone's head's gonna explode.

[Dan Fates]

If Alan would have done a better job covering Kelsey and Hill at the end of the game a few years ago, Josh would have done a better job. He would be ranked higher. I think he might have been to a Super Bowl.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's what stinks is you're, you're talking about the quarterback. But it was a team failure that led to getting.

[Mike Catalana]

Josh only threw for 400 some odd yards and four touchdowns in that game.

[Dan Fates]

Right.

[Mike Catalana]

And he couldn't, he didn't kick the, the kickoff.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, yeah. So he didn't have throw and catch that ball to Stefan Digs.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. So I love this. This is prime July 15th category of sports talk.

[Dan Fates]

Now you go to the next level and it's number four and it's Lamar who has two MVPs.

[Mike Catalana]

That is two.

[Dan Fates]

And I think it becomes more than one. It becomes a. Listen, I'm sure he's thrilled that he has the MVPs. I think it is a bit of a. How do I say this when I say it's a negative for Lamar? I think it's a bit of a negative in a sense of oh, two MVPs. And you haven't gone anywhere yet in the playoffs. And he has not been great in the playoffs. And I think it's interesting that a guy who's won the MVP twice is not ahead of Josh Allen. Interesting. I totally agree with it. But it's interesting because he hasn't had, he really has had. He had one really good game in the playoffs. He hasn't had the total amount. And you certainly could make an argument that he didn't, he didn't deserve the MVP last year.

[Mike Catalana]

Correct.

[Dan Fates]

But he won it. So now he's a two time MVP who's gone nowhere. It's a Mike Trout.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

But the sport is different because in football it's all about winning. But I find that interesting that he's number four and then Stafford, that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

What?

[Mike Catalana]

No, go ahead. I'm not going to interrupt you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay. No, go ahead.

[Mike Catalana]

Doesn't the fact of Stafford. I don't think Stafford has any right being viewed as the fifth best quarterback. And, but that's again, he's never on the field. So when he's not on the field you talk about hey, remember those throws he Made. Remember that game he played. And you don't think about all the crappy games that he has played. I would put. I would have put Stroud in the top five. I know it's just one year, but it goes Herbert 6, Stroud 7, Herbert. But, but, but that's the thing is that like, when Stafford's out, you're always saying, you know how good he is, but he's never out there.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And he played all those years, played all those games in Detroit and they didn't do anything. He got to the Rams and they won a Super Bowl. It was great for them.

[Mike Catalana]

And I like Matt's. I like Matt Stafford as a. I think he's a gutsy player. I liked him from when he came out of Georgia, all these things. But I think that the fact of, like in this exercise, this executive coaches scouting ranking, they're not factoring in of being available.

[Dan Fates]

Well, let's also say this. If you're voting and your mind is thinking, who would I rather have to build my team around? Which is the way most executives would think. Well, Certainly you'd have C.J. stroud or Jordan Love or any of those guys ahead of Matt Stafford. He's at the end of his career or close to the end of his career. So I think it's. It's a mindset of what you want. Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence have not done very much at all in their careers. Right. They put up some good numbers. Not. Not. They've never been either one has ever been in the MVP consideration. They've both gotten paid now, right?

[Mike Catalana]

Yep.

[Dan Fates]

They both been around for a while, at least a decent amount and haven't done anything. They are at that point where they haven't failed enough to get knocked down for it. They haven't been in that many big spots, especially Herbert. This could be a changing year for him. You know, he's got Harbon now as now.

[Jenna Cotrell]

There's not as many excuses.

[Dan Fates]

Right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We'll see. How mad do you think Dolphins fans are?

[Dan Fates]

Whereas two is.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Two is not on the top 10.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. So how's it go the rest of the way it goes?

[Mike Catalana]

It just goes to 10.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. But I'm saying he's not in the top 10.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

So Stafford's at five, Justin Herbert's at six. Seven is C.J. stroud, eight is Aaron Rodgers, nine is Jared Goff, 10 is your buddy Dak Prescott.

[Dan Fates]

So let me ask you this. They were only allowed to vote for one person.

[Mike Catalana]

One person.

[Dan Fates]

So each of those guys got a number One vote.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I guess so Dak Prescott.

[Dan Fates]

Well, I'm saying is like, who would vote Matt Stafford as the best quarterback in the NFL? Not that he's not good. Or who would. Well, I'm saying is like my. Hang on.

[Mike Catalana]

Maybe I'm doing this wrong. Reread this. Each section includes quotes, even.

[Dan Fates]

What's the chances he got it wrong?

[Mike Catalana]

It's pretty high.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Pretty high.

[Mike Catalana]

Voters give us. Yep.

[Dan Fates]

Top three, right?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Nope. 10 best. I'm wrong.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, okay. So that makes more sense.

[Mike Catalana]

Timeout. A reminder of the ranking process. Voters give us their best 10 players at a position. Then we compile the results, rank the candidates based on top 10 votes. I'm an idiot. Hand up. Hey, everybody, take a sip out of your Dan is wrong mug.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Hold on, let me.

[Mike Catalana]

I was the one. I was the one that did that. So there were people that were.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Take the shot Available on the Buffalo plus store.

[Mike Catalana]

There were people that when they were. There were people screaming at their phones or at their YouTube.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

On their TV going, you idiots, it's 10 best. That's what the rankings are. And things like that. So hand up. That's why this came out this way.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I still get annoyed though, that Burrow is over Allen just because I feel like I agree he's. Because the team has had more success. That's why Burrow gets the accolades. But it's like Josh. Josh is a. Josh has carried the Bills. I just so many instances.

[Dan Fates]

I almost feel wrong making it a criticism of Burrow because I think he's a great player. I could also say he's had Jamar Chase and T. Higgins, which is pretty nice place to start.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Seems nice.

[Dan Fates]

But he is a really good football player and almost every team would love to have him. It's just interesting that moment and that getting there elevates him. Jalen Hurts was an MVP cannock date and took a team to a Super bowl and actually played really well in a Super Bowl. But lost.

[Mike Catalana]

Correct.

[Dan Fates]

Had a struggle bus that he was driving for the last eight games of last year and drops totally out of the list now. I wouldn't put. I was. I think Jalen Hurts is a top 10 quarterback. Lower part of top 10, can be really good, played at a high level. But he doesn't get that credit for making a Super Bowl. Maybe it's because it's in the nfc. I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

I also find, you know, Jordan Love not in the top 10 the way that he is spoken of. It seems like this off season so much praise for him for Eight games.

[Dan Fates]

I think he'll. He'll be right just off of that 10.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Wherever the pie is.

[Mike Catalana]

An honorable mention, like, that'll drive you crazy.

[Dan Fates]

Now, listen, Purdy had good moments in the playoffs. I thought he did.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And he could have won a Super Bowl. They were that close. I will say this. Like I said in the beginning, it's pretty damn nice to have top three quarterback in the NFL.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And we're nitpicking whether he's two or three. So.

[Jenna Cotrell]

C.J. stroud at seven. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Very talented. This is. This will be a big year for him.

[Mike Catalana]

And I agree, though, with Mike to the point of. Or Jenna, you may have made the point of, like, you haven't had enough moments to fail.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Like, you talk about Stroud with a.

[Mike Catalana]

Lot of these guys. Like, some of these guys where it's like, Herbert Lamar has failed in those spots, but it's like, we don't know how. I mean, golf's had one run at it. You know, Golf's had a couple runs in the playoffs.

[Dan Fates]

Made a Super bowl with the Rams.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And played pretty damn well for the Lions. I'll say this. I think these kind of things. The way. The way that Herbert and Lawrence are looked at. It's kind of unfair to Dak Prescott because Dak Prescott has had more success in the regular season than either one of those guys.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And he has gotten his teams there. And then the Cowboys in general fail. And I think it's an accepted thing that Dak is not the guy that gets you over the top. I think people are enamored by the physical skills of Herbert and Lawrence. I'm picking those guys because.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And they've done nothing.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think it's about the narrative. The narrative around you so much.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Will be factored into how people view you. And. And, yeah. Justin Herbert is a perfect example of that.

[Dan Fates]

Mega talent.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Mega talent. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But when you see the. The lack of results, it is a bit. You know, is he. Is he what he could be? Or is he. Is. Is he what he is right now? And we'll have to say.

[Dan Fates]

And that'll change a little because he has Harbaugh now as coach.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's what I'm saying. We'll see with. But I feel like we're at the point where, like, the rubber's hitting the road.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

At least for the next few years. Because he should be in his prime. And he may end up being the MVP of the league this year. Like, we don't know. He has talent.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But Anyhow, he has talent, lot of potential.

[Mike Catalana]

I just love arguing on July 15 about where people think of quarterbacks.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You just love arguing general.

[Dan Fates]

But this has been a successful start to the podcast because Dan's been wrong already.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That is true. We do want to remind everyone, while you if you're enjoying watching the Buffalo plus podcast, you can also listen to the audio only version of the podcast available available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Stitcher, Spotify, itunes. Yeah, all that stuff. Just a quick reminder.

[Mike Catalana]

Listen to us in the car.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. You want to kick into our interview.

[Mike Catalana]

Great interview.

[Brother Bill]

A few moments later.

[Mike Catalana]

All right. We now welcome on a very, very special guest. I'd say friend of the program.

[Brother Bill]

Friend. Official friend of the program.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. For. For actually being on the program for the first time. We welcome in brother Bill.

[Brother Bill]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Mike Catalana]

Appreciate you being on here. Friend of Buffalo plus. But now actually coming on here, we, we appreciate it.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, I'm excited. Thanks for having me. Been talking a lot about this in the barbershop.

[Mike Catalana]

Glad to get on here and it's finally coming true.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So appreciate coming on here. I think we're just wanted to get to know first the Brother Bill experience and the social media rise to Bill's mafia fame. I guess I was just kind of wondering like, when did that idea come to happen and the process that it goes into to making these videos that Bill's mafia seems to love.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, it started that, that 2019 season when we really like kind of made that jump where I feel like all Buffalo believed in like Josh Allen, but like nobody outside of Buffalo did. And I had my own personal Twitter account and I like love Twitter. So I was just going ham like that whole season and I was finally like, I should stop like annoying people and like make a Bills account just because I know I'm pretty funny and creative. And it was just like a. I was thinking like a meme page more than anything. So it was like right before that Texans playoff game, I, I had off because it was like in between. I think it was right after New Year's or in between New Year's. So I had off a string of days and I was driving up to Scranton, Pennsylvania to visit a buddy who was playing for the, the Penguins farm team. And I just had like a five hour drive by myself and I was racking my brain about ideas and like brother Bill, the name just popped in my head and I was like, oh, I love that. And I did it and. And then Covid happened, which really gave me a ton of time off from work because I'm a barber, so I couldn't work for, like, three months. And that's when I really started. Like, I had nothing else to do, so I was just pounding out videos and making memes and all that stuff.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I feel like the. One of the more recent ones of Josh Allen golf course. And then, like, you know, the Happy Gilmore spliced in was perfection. But, like, where do you get the idea for these? Like, where does this come from? And then also, I mean, we do a lot of work in terms of, like, editing videos. Like, how long does some of those videos take?

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, like, the. The Happy Gilmore one just kind of came to me. I was laying in bed, and my fiance was asleep already, and I wasn't tired, so I was just popped in my brain, like, the. The happy place idea, and I just kind of, like, ran with it. And sometimes it just, like, writes itself. Like the part with Carl Weathers when he's like, yeah, got my hand back. That'd be so funny to have Diggs do that. But the process is. It's mostly like, the planning is really hard. Like, you're. You've done. I've done some of these teams, like, 12 times now, like the Patriots and the Dolphins and everything. So, like, when you have to try to think of creative ideas and new ideas every week, it's. It gets really hard. But the edit, I'm gna do it all on my phone. I. I forced, like, my fiance to film me. Like, it's a very, like, Chachki process. Like, it's not that professional.

[Mike Catalana]

We see the end result, and I'm like, I remember we first started talking, I was like, man, you must be, like, an editing, like, major. Like, that was in your school, like, videography. And you're like, no, it's all, like, a free app on my phone. He's like, I'm upgrading. I'm getting, like, the pro version, so there's not ads. But I just find that fascinating because, like, we do all of our editing.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You edit on your phone?

[Brother Bill]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

What?

[Brother Bill]

When I first made the page, I paid, like, 6.99 for, like, some, like, editing thing, and I've just, like, mastered it like, I know it like the back of my hand, so I feel like I'm pretty decent at it now, so. And they keep adding stuff, so, like, all right, they're help every off season. I. I don't do a lot during the off season, so when I log back on at the very end, like, towards training camp, I'm like, nice. Like, there's all these, like, new options I can do.

[Mike Catalana]

I find that funny.

[Dan Fates]

What was the first video you did that got a player's attention?

[Brother Bill]

Oh, man. I think great question was. I think it was a Chiefs 13 seasons maybe ago now when it was after the confetti. We lost the confetti playoff game. And I think it was that first game. We were playing them the next year, and I did, like, a. An archery themed one because the arrowhead. So I had, like, you know, I had like, obviously Chad Michael Murray on, like, a dartboard and, like, Paul Rudd because he's like, a famous Kansas City. So I did, like, things like that. So I was, like, shooting the arrow at, like, the chief's version of, like, the counterparts. And Stevie Johnson tweeted at me and was like, this is fire. Like, I need to be in one. And I think that was the first time someone, like, really showed me love that was on the team before or anything like that.

[Mike Catalana]

I think there is that step from, hey, this is fun. I do this in my spare time to really getting into, oh, crap. Like, people like this, they kind of wait for it. I know, like, your Twitter mentions are like, hey, when's the video dropping? When's vision? Like, has all of that. When did that change? Was that the Stevie Johnson moment? Or was it even before that where you're like, hey, these are getting thousands and thousands of retweets. Like, this has been pretty cool.

[Brother Bill]

I think it was like, the first season was definitely, like, growing as it went. Like, nobody, I feel, like, expected anything and made it very easy. And it was so easy. Like, we were playing Seattle and I would just. I went to Starbucks, bought a coffee and, like, stepped on it and, like.

[Mike Catalana]

That was it sick.

[Brother Bill]

So, like, back then, it was so simple. Like, I would literally film it in the morning for, like, 20 minutes. Now it's, like, become like a legit movie, I feel like. But I. It definitely. I don't know when that happened. Maybe like, in that season. I feel like that's when the season of the Stevie Johnson thing is when it started taking, like, the next level. And then the next season was like, the one when I flew a plane and, like, did. That's when, like, I was, like, putting a lot of pressure on myself, I feel like, because I'm like, how do I keep topping this?

[Mike Catalana]

Like, fair for you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Like, what has been some of the coolest, like, moments or interactions that you've had with either people, like, the actual players or has it been, like, fans coming up to you. Like, what has that been?

[Brother Bill]

Like, Definitely. Eric Wood has become, like, a friend. So, like, he was in my one video, and he's, like, been about it. Like, he's been trying to get in one. His schedule's so crazy. So my app last season, their new thing was, like, it was able to, like, edit out people from a video and just, like, attach it in.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Brother Bill]

So that was how I was able to get Eric Wood. Because, like, dude, you don't have to be here. Like, you could just send me this clip, and I'll just Photoshop you in my kitchen. But other than that. Yeah, like, going to games is super fun. People are always, like, shouting me out and just going over and talking to him for a little bit. I think training camp last year or two years ago, somebody, like, handed me their baby for, like, a picture. And that was when I was like, okay, this is wild. Like, I was, like, holding the baby.

[Dan Fates]

So you're gonna run for office?

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, I probably have a good chance this year.

[Dan Fates]

What was your first? Yeah, I know you probably would. How did you first get connected? Did you grow. I assumed you grew up a Bills fan.

[Brother Bill]

Oh, yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. But how'd you first get connected with a team? Was it when they came to Fisher? Was. Was there a way. When I say connected, more connected than just watching, you know, watching the games?

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, I think it was as a kid, watching 13. Wham. Watching, like, headline every week. Yeah, that'll do it.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

He just wants to get a budget back. I see how this place.

[Brother Bill]

No, but I mean, my dad started taking me games when I was five, and we'd have, like, these huge tailgates. Like 50 people. Like, all of us would park in a row. Family, friends. And going to training camp growing up, because they started. I think they started coming to Fisher maybe when I was, like, 6 or 7 or something like that. So, like, having that and then, I don't know. Just as long as I can remember, the Bills have been a huge part of my life. And then when I started getting into cutting hair, I had the opportunity to cut a couple of the guys. So that was, like, my first probably, like, meeting people and being around them. Opportunity, which was.

[Dan Fates]

So what was that? Was that at camp? Did you.

[Brother Bill]

That was at camp.

[Dan Fates]

So what was that like?

[Brother Bill]

So that was insane. Like, I was, you know, that was like a dream. When I got into cutting hair, I was like, oh, I want to cut these guys. And they used to be here for, like, two and a half months or something.

[Mike Catalana]

So they'd be stuck Here?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Brother Bill]

Now they're here, like, two weeks, and they go back to Buffalo, so I don't think they really need a haircut here anymore, which sucks. But, yeah, I would just, like, DM like the entire roster and send, like, photos like, hey, I cut hair and Walt Powell. The summer of Walt. Wasn't that you? Right, the summer of Walt Powell. So that summer, he DM me back and he brought me in and he, like, this was Rex Ryan era. So it was, like, super loose.

[Dan Fates]

Like, it was just.

[Mike Catalana]

It was just pure.

[Brother Bill]

I was, like, afraid to, like, you know, like, you think there's security. And I remember driving on campus and, like, nobody stopped me. Like, I was just, like, aimlessly wandering.

[Dan Fates]

Around with scissors, too, right?

[Brother Bill]

The whole thing. Yeah. And he, like, set me up right in the middle of, like, their little, like, recreation area where they're playing, like, cards, and there's all these, like, they bring in a ton of, like, pinball machines and stuff like that. So all the dudes are chilling there, and he set me up right there, and he's like, hey, you do a good job on me. And, like, all these dudes are want cut, Will want cuts. And that was the day Tyrod signed his contract extension, and he ended up needing a haircut. Look at that. Like, the press day the next time. So I cut his hair.

[Mike Catalana]

That's really cool.

[Brother Bill]

But it was nuts. That was really cool.

[Dan Fates]

Did you walk out of there going, how this was fun, but, man, I don't know about my team with Rex.

[Brother Bill]

Running right there is definitely. I don't know if it's safe to say some things on air, but there is definitely me. Some things when I was there that I'm like.

[Mike Catalana]

We'Ve heard. We've heard the stories from the other side, too. So, yeah, yeah, that goes through it. Moving towards the Bill season. We want to have you on also, because you know the team and things like that. I was wondering, like, from your perspective, what worries you? We'll get the bad out of the way first. What worries you heading into this season? We've had talks in the chair and stuff like that, but what worries you?

[Brother Bill]

I've definitely been critical of Sean McDermott in the past. Dan knows that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Brother Bill]

I think people on Twitter kind of know that now, too.

[Mike Catalana]

There are some people just, like, applauding right now. They're, like, standing up and listening to this, and they're like, go off, brother.

[Brother Bill]

Bill, I'm not anti him. Like, I think he's done a good.

[Mike Catalana]

Job off the ledge.

[Brother Bill]

I.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He.

[Brother Bill]

He won last year when like the team. There was two options that could have went with and they could have like totally folded on him and it would have been really easy because like that article came out.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Brother Bill]

And they didn't. So that kind of like re. I was like, okay, these guys obviously do like him and, and he's got. I just feel like there's situations where he overcoaches defensively and, and I think that's the big hurdle to get over is just kind of like letting your playmakers make plays. And, and I feel like sometimes he's a little too, I don't know, paranoid or something in the, in the big moment. So I think that's a, that's an issue for me. And then obviously I do like the receivers. I'm not going to lie. I'm a huge Curtis Samuel guy. So I was like fired off to get him. He's been on my fantasy team for about three years, probably consistent 12 pointer.

[Mike Catalana]

But you were, you were a bigger fan of a former Bill Diggs.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, I love Diggs. So I was sad. I was definitely sad. It's one of those things where like, you get both, you get both sides of it. Like, I feel like their relationship between Josh and Diggs, like, playing wise maybe was at a point where they couldn't have meshed anymore. I don't think they hate each other as people like at all. But I would have liked to keep him, obviously, and he would have helped us. I still think he's got a lot left in him.

[Jenna Cotrell]

For you. What kind of excites you now heading into training camp? Is there a certain position group? Is there a certain guy? Like, what kind of stands out to you in terms of looking forward to this season?

[Brother Bill]

I would say the, the receiving area is still like super exciting to me because you don't really know what's going to happen. Like, it's, it's a lot of new blood and a lot of new players. And I do. Like I said, I like Curtis, I like Shakira, I like Kincaid. I think those three could all be like 800 to a thousand yard guys. And then you have like three dudes that could be 400, 300 or 600 yard guys. And like, it's going to be interesting to see how they spread it out because I feel like that's what's going to take them over the edge is just like a really spread out offense.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

You said, you know, obviously you were young and you started watching the Bills and it's probably exciting, but they were not Very good, Right? If Josh Allen now.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And there are some fans who really don't like to hear anything critical of Josh, and I kind of get that when it's been so bad until he got here. Is it fair, you think. Do you think the level he gets. I'm not talking about national people. I'm talking about in western New York. I mean, because there are times he's not perfect. He's pretty damn good, but he's not perfect. Fan base wise. Do you think it's fair that even as good as he is and as close as he is, the level of criticism he sometimes gets?

[Brother Bill]

I think it's weird because I feel like maybe outside of the Buffalo bubble, he does get some decent criticism, but inside, even the building, it seems like maybe not. Which I feel like is something that could hinder you. You know, I kind of liked Diggs for that reason. I feel like he had that. Yeah, he had that, like, going at Josh, and I think that makes you, as a competitor, I don't think that's a bad thing for both sides. Like, I think Josh would have respected it. And I don't know. That seemed kind of. Diggs was getting so much crap last year. I feel like almost he shied away from that. And that was when his production also kind of got down. Like, I feel like he just kind of, like, said, like, screw it. I'm okay. You don't like me like this. I'm.

[Dan Fates]

That's really. That's an interesting way, because we've talked about it, where it's kind of like Diggs was the guy that was in some way, like, equal with Josh. Not in total, because he's Josh Allen, but they could push him that way. And I'm looking to see him. I don't know if you are, as a fan, watching, if maybe Josh takes another step up this year, maybe more of a leader, maybe more hold the other guys more accountable than maybe he's needed to do or has been comfortable doing in the past, especially with all these new guys on the team. Do you think we'll see that out of him?

[Brother Bill]

I think so. I hope so. It's kind of like when you live at home with, like, your parents and, like, even though you know how to wash your dishes and you know how to do your laundry, you know, your parents are there, too, so you're probably not going to do your dishes and you're not going to do your laundry. I feel like maybe that was Diggs.

[Dan Fates]

That is a Dan analogy you just made.

[Mike Catalana]

No, I was Going to say you've got that analogy at times at your house, Mike.

[Dan Fates]

Yes, yes, I do. And I'd like to get a few people for you to talk to.

[Mike Catalana]

Just a few more questions. We wrap up here with brother Bill. Again, appreciate your time. Training camp approaching. Do you want to ask about the spots or did you have a different question?

[Jenna Cotrell]

I had a different question. You go first.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, is your. More football Okay? I was just wondering, like, people come and it's funny. People always kind of ask us at times like, hey, what. What places to go to where. Hey, I'm coming into town for one. You know, know one or two days to. To go to camp. Do you got spots where you're like, you've lived in Rochester, you know this area, like, you got to hit. If you're going to do camp, you got to do X, Y and Z. That's a full day of bills camp.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah, I think it depends. Like, kids or no kids. So if you have kids, like, that's fair. Definitely hit up, like, strong museum.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Brother Bill]

Seab Breeze. Like, that's just like an old school.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, that's old. Yeah.

[Brother Bill]

I think chicken wing spots, like, you gotta go down to Charlotte, you know, Whiskey River.

[Mike Catalana]

That's a deep cut.

[Brother Bill]

Why am I drawing a blank on the Blue and Golden Jammers? Wind jammers, too? Like, those are the two best wing spots. And then I'm a huge Ziggy's guy. I think their wings are fire, too. So it's going to Ziggy's is a vibe.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. That's what some of the places are shot at in the video.

[Brother Bill]

Yes, a lot. That's like my people. Like, I went to high school with one of the owners and I cut one of the Shout out Ziggy. Yeah, shout out Ziggy's. They're the best.

[Jenna Cotrell]

All right, my last question is just. You're. You're friends with Dan Fates, who has a lot of hot takes. So I didn't know if you had any hot takes heading into this season. If you can match Dan and his. His takes.

[Brother Bill]

Hot takes. What is. What are you. Some of your. Like, let me get rolling.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Dan existed.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, I had the hot take of Trail Bernard two years ago. I'll say it again. I had the hot take. I also had the hot take of who's going to lead the team in receiving yards this year already.

[Brother Bill]

Who is it?

[Mike Catalana]

I said mvs.

[Brother Bill]

What?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Okay. So that this is it and all what he wants to do is he wants to throw it out there and then if it doesn't hit. It's somewhat forgotten about.

[Mike Catalana]

Correct.

[Dan Fates]

We'll try to bring it up. If it hits. This Bernard take is going to be like when he's getting inducted in the hall of Fame. Dan's going to think he's introducing only.

[Mike Catalana]

One person's inducted in the hall of Fame here. And second, I was right on Gabe, too.

[Brother Bill]

What was your Gabe take?

[Mike Catalana]

I was never. I never thought he was a number two.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah. And that take.

[Mike Catalana]

So that was part of it. It's not a Gabe Davis jersey.

[Dan Fates]

Okay. So you said time. You said you were big on the receivers. And Dan says mvs. And you like Curtis Samuel. Is Curtis Samuel the guy?

[Brother Bill]

I think so. I think he's the. Maybe Kincaid, but I think other receivers. I think Curtis is the. The top option.

[Mike Catalana]

That's fair.

[Brother Bill]

I think he's way better than like we. We've seen because his. His quarterbacks are so bad.

[Mike Catalana]

That's fair. I think it's tough to evaluate that.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah. His play, I guess a hot take. I always get his name wrong because there's a basketball player named Solomon Jones that I always keep. Kept catching myself calling him that. Is it Javon Solomon, right?

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. You loved him.

[Brother Bill]

That's my dark horse.

[Mike Catalana]

The linebacker.

[Brother Bill]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Troy, right.

[Brother Bill]

17 and a half sacks last year.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I came back from mini camp the one day or rookie camp, getting my haircut and I go in there and he's like, how he look? How'd my boy look? I was like, I didn't. I. I forgot to keep an eye out for him, brother. Sorry, man. All right.

[Dan Fates]

I need your event. What is it like when Dan Fate sits in your chair?

[Mike Catalana]

Where did this podcast go off the rails?

[Brother Bill]

Everybody's tuned out when Dan Fate sits in my chair.

[Dan Fates]

Is it start with hot takes or.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No.

[Brother Bill]

He's. I feel like we have like similar but also contracting points of views. So like he'll go on like a. We'll get to like. We'll agree to the same point. And then all of a sudden he goes this way.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, yeah.

[Brother Bill]

I'm like, oh, yeah. I thought we were on the same track.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We'll argue about the same things, but we're saying and making the same points.

[Mike Catalana]

Mine, they're better just how it goes. All right, man. I really appreciate it. Thanks for coming on.

[Brother Bill]

Of course.

[Mike Catalana]

As always, follow brother Bill on pretty much X is. Is the main place. So for every game day, you will see a lot of them.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Anything else you want to plug?

[Brother Bill]

I don't know really.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Your shop?

[Brother Bill]

My barber shop. I have a Barber shop in Gates. Now it's called Buzzy's Barber Shop.

[Mike Catalana]

Right.

[Brother Bill]

Named after my grandpa. He was. His name was Buzzy. He was the man.

[Mike Catalana]

So merch got Brother Bill. Merch.

[Brother Bill]

I do. I'm working on some new designs coming out this season.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm actually ballparking. I actually did a workshop with him on some new Buffalo plus merch that could be coming out as well. So he. He just knows it all. I just. We got a good relationship, so I appreciate you coming on again. Do everything. Yeah. Have a. Have a nice game day.

[Brother Bill]

Shout out to Vic.

[Mike Catalana]

Vic. Yes. We were getting a haircut. Vic was very. What do we say?

[Brother Bill]

He almost fainted when Dan walked.

[Mike Catalana]

When he saw Dan, he's like, holy cow. I was like, yeah, it's brother Bill. Isn't this crazy?

[Dan Fates]

So you gotta tell Vic to aim higher than that.

[Mike Catalana]

Appreciate it as always, man. Keep in touch.

[Brother Bill]

Yes. Go, Bills. A few moments later.

[Mike Catalana]

Appreciate brother Bill coming on as always. I'm gonna get a haircut tomorrow by him, so that will be.

[Dan Fates]

Okay. So I have to add something because I've. I've been to dentists before that don't have great teeth. Like, you know what I mean? Sometimes.

[Mike Catalana]

No, here.

[Dan Fates]

The guy, he's. It's Dawson Knox.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Flow.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Gorgeous. Gorgeous out of hair.

[Dan Fates]

He does.

[Mike Catalana]

Gorgeous out of hair.

[Dan Fates]

Sometimes you see a barber and the guy, you know, he doesn't have the hair. He's got the hair, like, he's like. Yeah, it's free flowing.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Got the lettuce.

[Dan Fates]

He does. Yeah, he does. His content is really good.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Very funny.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

For the longest time, it went over your head.

[Dan Fates]

The beginning. I was kind of like, you don't.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Have to drag him like that.

[Dan Fates]

You really do.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm just saying, you.

[Dan Fates]

I know.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm just saying he was. He was enamored. He got to see a local legend, a hall of famer.

[Dan Fates]

I think you guys need some more of that. You know, I think we're good.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'm out on that.

[Dan Fates]

But I will say sometimes the references are to things. Like sometimes the Bill's social media does a great job, but they are referencing something that I just don't know or don't care.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, whatever.

[Dan Fates]

And I'm sure it's good. If I knew the content, I would.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Or the context.

[Dan Fates]

Well, that's not over my head. Hey, by the way, you two, some of it's going to start going over.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, it. Absolutely.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. No, it's fine.

[Dan Fates]

And I know some stuff, too. If they start doing stuff involving Ms. Rachel. Now I know who Ms. Rachel is with the grandbaby. So I know that Rachel is.

[Mike Catalana]

We're all back from vacation.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. You most recently got back.

[Mike Catalana]

Yep.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I didn't even ask how was was great.

[Mike Catalana]

But it's not a hot take to say that anybody that has kids vacationing is just parenting away from home. It is. It is.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That sounds so scary as someone without children. That's. Yeah, but didn't you have help with you scares me.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, but you're not trying to sit there and pawn off your kids on the grand. The grandparents.

[Dan Fates]

You have a difference as you're the grandparents for you get to see your kids daily basis. All the time.

[Mike Catalana]

Daily basis.

[Dan Fates]

Let me tell you something. When this grandpa gets to see the kids, they are all mine. Like I take them where Jenny takes them for every second we can.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's so cute because we don't right.

[Dan Fates]

Get them all the time.

[Mike Catalana]

Our parents are 10 minutes and 15 minutes away.

[Dan Fates]

So I will be having a week long vacation later this summer with everybody there. My family.

[Mike Catalana]

Awesome.

[Dan Fates]

And that'll be fun for a week.

[Mike Catalana]

So yeah did and I know you guys talked a little bit about my. My s' mores take.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You know Dan was glued watching Buffalo. Plus you texted a lot for being on vacation.

[Mike Catalana]

Well see that that's something people are like. Like my brother in law, hats off to him, didn't have his phone on him at all for the entire week.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's how I vacation. Like that is how I vacation.

[Mike Catalana]

That's not me.

[Dan Fates]

It's weak.

[Mike Catalana]

That's not me.

[Jenna Cotrell]

What do you mean?

[Dan Fates]

You don't need to be on it all the time but you. You should just check.

[Mike Catalana]

Vacation is how. Vacation is how you. Hold on.

[Dan Fates]

Jenna's notifications are silenced.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I. That's how I unwind. I again. You have always made the comment of like you live in the content world. Dan. That's exactly how my brain works. Anxiety. If I don't know like 100%.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I love it. Do not disturb.

[Mike Catalana]

Every. It's every day.

[Dan Fates]

Every day.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I. I'm a firm believer in if.

[Mike Catalana]

You can get Jenna without the do not disturb.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He texted me like four times today. I was like, yeah, I'll get to him. Yeah, I had to make brownies.

[Mike Catalana]

I have. My wife and I celebrated seven year anniversary yesterday.

[Dan Fates]

She's a saint.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. We went out to eat. This is another food take. But it's a good one and I wanted to talk to you about it as the resident Italian.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, Italian. Go ahead.

[Mike Catalana]

I've never really Been a chicken cutlet person. Phenomenal.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's blasphemy.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That you wouldn't be.

[Mike Catalana]

They're incredible.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

You just have found this.

[Mike Catalana]

I just found this out. Like, I've had, like, thin chicken before, but, like, why does that sound so.

[Dan Fates]

Wait a minute. Have you had chicken parm?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. So this. But this, like, I got this at Boccaccini's in Parrington.

[Dan Fates]

Right.

[Mike Catalana]

And it was like a. Over angel hair pasta with, like, a tomato oil white wine sauce. Oh, you could cut the cutlet with a fork. Of course, I didn't think that was possible. Now, granted, mom was not a great cook growing up in the household. And, like, we don't cook a bunch. Yeah. We didn't cook a ton of Italian in our household. I. I went to start coming the knife. I was like, it's falling apart. Chicken cutlets are the exact opposite of s'. Mores. They're. They're.

[Dan Fates]

They're elite.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And s' mores are not.

[Dan Fates]

Jenny makes phenomenal. Her mom makes them too. Jenny's are better. Sorry, Reed is not watching the pod.

[Mike Catalana]

She doesn't, like, comment.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Subscribe. Subscriber. Don't you dare.

[Dan Fates]

I think she's a subscriber, but I don't know. Jenny's.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

So good. Yeah. And it's great when the kid. When her kids come home, they always ask for it, so I don't have to ask. I know. Cutlets are coming. Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's nice.

[Mike Catalana]

Just unbelievable.

[Dan Fates]

Cutlets. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. Chicken cutlet is. Is elite. That's a perfect way to put it.

[Mike Catalana]

Like, the tier of.

[Dan Fates]

Just found this out.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, it's so good.

[Mike Catalana]

But because I don't like the. What I like, they weren't, like, overly breaded. These. These chicken cutlets. Like, I think of a chicken parm.

[Dan Fates]

I think of what's almost like all the cheese and.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Like, this was just, like, simple. It was.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I feel like every time we're on the road, we always go out to get Italian.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. I'm not a big Italian guy.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Like, oh, my God. What is wrong with you? That, like, offended me.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, you want to hear something that really offended everybody? We're driving around yesterday, and we just bought a house. In airports, we're kind of getting the lay of the land. And we. There was an Applebee's, and it was the Applebee's I used to work at, and my wife's like, oh, the Applebee's still is there. And I was like, yeah, it was great. And I was like, I Wonder if there's a Chili's around here as like an inside joke to ourselves on this show.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And wife goes, I've never been to a Chili's.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Really? Anniversary dinner.

[Mike Catalana]

She's like, well, what is it? I was like, it's Mexican Applebee's.

[Dan Fates]

It's chips and salsa, which is phenomenal. Fantastic.

[Mike Catalana]

Like, like, like comment in. I think favorite, favorite chili.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Sit down. Chain restaurant. We should do a draft of those.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Carabas. Sorry.

[Dan Fates]

I think carabas.

[Mike Catalana]

It's a step up.

[Dan Fates]

It's a little bit of a step up.

[Mike Catalana]

Chili's.

[Dan Fates]

Like, if you were driving, you're. We're traveling and we're looking for somewhere to eat and we don't know where we are or like, we got to go to the airport.

[Mike Catalana]

And you.

[Dan Fates]

Chili, you do. They were like, you see that pepper? And it's like, you sit down and you go, well, we're having the chips and salsa.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't even need the menu.

[Dan Fates]

That's it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, my God. It's so accurate, though.

[Mike Catalana]

Just you see the pepper and you're like, hey, I know the standard that I'm gonna get, and it's gonna be satisfactory and you can always depend on it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Agreed.

[Dan Fates]

You start out that way and the rest of it will just flow. It's. It's good.

[Mike Catalana]

It's good.

[Dan Fates]

I like it. Like it above Applebee's in my ranking.

[Mike Catalana]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And there's some other phonies, but chilies.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'm trying to think of the other ones.

[Dan Fates]

You know, there's. Well, we'll think about.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, wow.

[Dan Fates]

It's coming down.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You know what? I love Pizza Hut.

[Dan Fates]

Used to love Pizza Hut.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Pizza Hut, Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

What happened? Like, did Pizza Hut go through some hard financial times? That buffet used to slap.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I didn't know they still had it.

[Mike Catalana]

No, they don't.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, well, they're like when Red Lobster started giving away shrimp. Bad idea, guys. They, like closed the place. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Red Lobster not in the top 10.

[Dan Fates]

No.

[Jenna Cotrell]

My.

[Mike Catalana]

My Sal Marijuana would have Longhorn Steakhouse pretty high up there.

[Dan Fates]

I know Red Lobster. I used to go there with my mother in law years ago.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's nice.

[Dan Fates]

Rest in her. Rest in peace. She was a great lady. She loved Red Lobster. So that would be our. We would take her there.

[Mike Catalana]

Growing up, like, Red Lobster was like birthdays.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I mean, growing up, if we got. If we got an appetizer, it was like, oh, it's a big deal.

[Dan Fates]

By the way, they did not have chicken cutlets at Red Lobster.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No, that does not Shock you. Not shocking. I'm trying to look at other restaurants that. Oh, what about Olive Garden? Not a fan personally, but I know.

[Dan Fates]

It'S a favorite because Italian. I took. I. I had a sad trip to Olive Garden one time, but it was just. I took my daughter there. We laughed, but it was just, it was sad to be there at the time. We were there.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, my God.

[Mike Catalana]

What are you chomping at the bit about?

[Jenna Cotrell]

So in my first job, when I moved to. My first job was in Elmyra, New York.

[Mike Catalana]

She hired me.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, I did. So I. When I. One of my first days in town, I was like. To my former co worker, he was like, let me take you out. Let me show you the town. I got this great spot. They got great barbecue. I was like, oh, my God, this is gonna be amazing. So we drive up to a TGI Fridays and he says, you gotta try the Jack Daniels barbecue sauce. And I was like, sir, we're at a Fridays. I was like. And he thought that was the local flare.

[Dan Fates]

TGI Fridays is one of those places.

[Jenna Cotrell]

When you hear your family. No, what's that?

[Mike Catalana]

What's your thoughts on Outback?

[Jenna Cotrell]

We also went to that place.

[Brother Bill]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

All the best.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Blooming onion.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. All right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's fine.

[Mike Catalana]

Totally off the rails pod.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

We are going to go. I think next week we'll do mailbag.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Leading into training.

[Mike Catalana]

Training camp. So you've made it this far. Comment in with your favorite chain restaurant.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

How much you love Chili's. It's not if you love Chili's, it's how much you love Chili's. And some comments heading into camp now that you know, we've talked throughout the off season. But where we're at, I will add.

[Dan Fates]

That Dan and I, if we have a layover flying back, we always check in the airport. If there's a Chili.

[Mike Catalana]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Then we're like, ah, it's not so bad. We'll go to Chili's. Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Charlotte Airport's elite.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because they also have a shake shack near that brewery right there.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. Shake Shack just opened in Rochester.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Look at us.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Look at us. Red Robin. No, sorry, I'm reading.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, I have a Red Robin. I want to save that for next year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

2 hour line to go into Red Robin and Elmyra. That was.

[Mike Catalana]

The fries are trash. Fries are trash.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Spot Clucks and fries. No, I'm pretty, pretty good. Not even gonna lie. All right. We went fully off the rails.

[Mike Catalana]

It's all based off chicken cutlets.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Please be sure to like, comment subscribe Share subscribe to the audio only podcast because yeah, you might be busy. You might be doing chores and thanks.

[Dan Fates]

Again to Brother Bill for being our guest.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, I was gonna get there but.

[Dan Fates]

Well I figured you were already into the thank you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But yeah, download the audio podcast thank you to Brother Bill. We really appreciate your time. We had a lot of fun. Also, if you all are not following him, be sure to follow him on X. He has some incredible content for Mike Catalana and Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cottrell. We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel, presented by Connors and Ferris.

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