Pittsford, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Bills training camp is a special time of year in the football season when fans can get an up-close and personal interaction with the players before and after practices at St. John Fisher University.
This is especially the case when fans line the railings, patiently awaiting the chance for an autograph from some of their favorite Bills players. And the items are the usual: A miniature helmet, a jersey, a football, and sometimes even a personalized poster.
However, 13-year-old Owen from Clarence had another idea in mind: Taking a seat back from the old Highmark Stadium and filling that up with signatures.
"It's not our seats, but we thought it'd be a cool idea to get it signed," said Owen in an interview with WBEN at Bills training camp.
Owen's mom, Kim, has been a longtime Season Ticket holder with the Bills, and couldn't have been more happy to support Owen's bold idea.
"We thought it'd be something fun, something different," said Kim with WBEN. "We've got a couple signed balls and helmet, but let's try something new. So a seat back seemed appropriate for the new season."
Owen had a number of players stop by to sign his seat back, including running back Ray Davis, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, linebacker Joe Andreessen, tight end Dalton Kincaid, cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson and wide receiver Keon Coleman.
Where does he plan on displaying his new autographed piece of memorabilia?
"Probably in my room, trying to display it in a case," Owen said.
As for this upcoming season, both Owen and Kim are planning on celebrating the team's move to the new Highmark Stadium, where they hope more memories can be made in the years to come.
"I love the broken table at the entranceway, that's super cool. It'll be fun," Kim said. "It was really sad to see the old one go. Part of me just wanted it to be there forever, but to new beginnings, right?"
As for Owen, he's excited to get in the stadium to enjoy the new atmosphere, and watch more of Josh Allen, of course.
