Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) – When former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Trent Sherfield was trying to decide what team he wanted to sign with this offseason, it was a call to Josh Allen that sealed the deal.
Sherfield was a teammate of Christian Kirk’s with the Arizona Cardinals, and as it turns out, Kirk is very good friends with Allen. The free agent receiver wanted to talk to Allen, who he had never met, and it was Kirk that set up their meeting.
"When the Bills had called, I hit up Christian to set it up. I got Josh on the phone, and he said he was a big fan of mine, which I was surprised," said Sherfield during his meeting with the media following Tuesday's practice. "We hit it off really well. You would’ve thought that me and Josh knew each other for months on end the way that conversation went. That really helped elevate a lot of the decision making, as far as coming here."
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Sherfield says he also talked with general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott before signing with the Buffalo Bills.
"These are my kind of people," Sherfield said. "Having that DNA, that blue collar and coming in every single day, working hard towards something, no matter how hard it is, no matter what obstacle is in the way. I think this city embodies that.
"I’m from a town like this, where people like to go to work, get the job done, pay their bills, take care of their families. They take pride in that, and I feel coach McDermott has done a great job of establishing a culture that’s full of guys that will never lay down for nothing."
Sherfield has played one season with Miami, one season with the San Francisco 49ers, and three years with the Cardinals. He had his best season last year, catching 30 balls for 417 yards and two touchdowns with the Dolphins.
As soon as he signed with Buffalo, Sherfield was in town getting ready for organized team activities (OTAs).
"I bought a house and moved in, so it’s kind of been a whirlwind," Sherfield admitted. "I’ve been able to get some good relationships here on the team, and coach McDermott and Beane emphasize family."
Sherfield really doesn’t have a role in the offense yet, as he’s practiced on the outside and in the slot.
"The more you can do, and with my ability to be able to play outside, inside, play on [special teams], I take pride in that. As long as I have a jersey, then I have a chance to play receiver," he said.
Things haven't been easy for Sherfield, though. He hasn’t played in an offensive system like Ken Dorsey’s, admits it was tough having to learn a new playbook and meet new people to get over that hump.
"Once I got it, I found a new motivation, because it’s probably the toughest playbook that I’ve been a part of. But there’s a reason for that, because it’s such a good offense," Sherfield said.
Sherfield is currently battling Deonte Harty and Andy Isabella for playing time.
