Hard Working Man Award 2005: Darryl Talley

On Friday, October 7, 2005, Hanes Supply, Inc, held its third annual Sports Night Event at Fontana's Center in Western New York. The over two hundred people who attended and enjoyed a wonderful dinner and a chance to listen to a Terrific Trio of former Buffalo Bills Pro Bowlers. Kent Hull, Jim Kelly and Darryl Talley were wonderful special guests who were exceptionally friendly to all who stepped up to say hello. The Live, Silent and Chinese Auctions made the evening more enjoyable while helping to raise money for two great charities, Kelly for Kids, and Ilio DiPaolo's Scholarship Fund.

On that October Friday Night, we honored Darryl Talley, the Buffalo Bills All-Pro Linebacker, as the recipient of the 2005 Hanes Supply, Inc, Kent Hull - Hard Working Man Award.

The Hanes Supply, Inc., Kent Hull - Hard Working Man Award is to be presented every year to a past or present Western New York Sports Personality, who is known as an exceptional leader on and off the sports battlefield. Kent Hull certainly deserved to be the first recipient and have the award named in his honor. Kent has promised that he would be back every year to help with our Award Ceremonies. He also suggested that his “Brother in Battle - Jim Kelly” receive the award in 2004. Kent and Jim suggested that Darryl Talley be honored in 2005.

The Dynamic Duo of Kent Hull and Jim Kelly became the Terrific Trio on October 7, 2005 as Jim and Kent came to present the Hard Working Man Award to Darryl Talley that night. The jokes between these three All-Pro Football stars were flying fast and furious to the utter enjoyment of the dinner guests. It was no joke as to how important Darryl Talley was to the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl Teams of the 1990s.

Bill Hanes, President of Hanes Supply, gave an entertaining presentation about the incredible performance and leadership that Darryl Talley exhibited each and every Sunday on football fields all over the United States. After Bill's speech, it was crystal clear to all in attendance that Darryl Talley truly was "A Hard Working Man".

Bill Hanes then took a moment to honor Hunter Kelly, a true hero, who had passed in August, 2005. Hunter Kelly, Jim's son, did more in his eight years to help other children than most of us could ever accomplish in a lifetime. The Hunter's Hope charity is a living legacy that will honor Hunter for decades to come.

It was then time for Bill Hanes to introduce the man of the evening, Darryl Talley. Darryl Talley accepted the award and graciously thanked his family, his Buffalo Bills Teammates, Bills Fans and Hanes Supply for recognizing him in the company of his great friends, Kent Hull and Jim Kelly. Darryl was also pleased with the nice sum of money was raised for Kelly for Kids and also reminded the crowd of what a true hero Hunter Kelly was.

After a good round of applause for Darryl Talley, the award ceremony ended. However, Jim, Kent and Darryl took some time to shake hands, pose for photos and sign autographs. It can be said with absolute certainty that a good time was had by all. Hanes Supply, Inc., is again proud to have presented an enjoyable and successful Sports Night, featuring a Terrific Trio ‾ Darryl Talley, Kent Hull and Jim Kelly!

Ted Hanes
Hanes Supply, Inc.

TOP 11 REASONS (#56: 5+6=11) WHY DARRYL TALLEY WAS "THE LEADER OF THE PACK".
The Great Buffalo Bills Defense of the late 1980s and early 1990s!

No. 11  For being a BLUE COLLAR GUY, playing in a blue collar town. After leaving the Buffalo Bills in 1993, Darryl took out a full page ad in the Buffalo News thanking the franchise & the fans for his 12 great years in Buffalo.

No. 10  For being a MAN OF MANY NICK NAMES including: "The Bomb", "The Man", "The Hammer", "The Duke of Awesome", and last but not least "Heath Cliff". Darryl was so fast that later in his career he ran right out of his hair.

No. 9  For making all the DEFENSIVE PLAYS during the COLD GAMES at Rich Stadium and keeping Jim's hands and Kent's cheeks cold by getting the OFFENSE BACK ON THE FIELD.

No. 8  For ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE OF HIS FATHER TO PLAY FOOTBALL. Darryl's father played Semi-Pro Ball and Darryl realized their dream by playing 14 years in the NFL.

No. 7  If you were in a BAR-ROOM OR STREET FIGHT, you would want Darryl Talley on your side, especially if MAGIC JOHNSON'S body guard ANTHONY was around flipping anyone.

No. 6  For the ability to consume LARGE QUANTITIES OF LIQUIDS, whether it was Gatorade or Moonshine.

No. 5  For the Toughness and Tenacity of playing 12 YEARS with the Buffalo Bills and NEVER MISSING A GAME. Rumor has it that Darryl Talley challenged George Foreman to a HEAD BUTTING CONTEST. Darryl won the door prize of the lean mean Foreman grilling machine.

No. 4  For being a man of COMMUNITY SERVICE. Bruce Smith had left his house in disarray for three weeks after a party. Darryl and a few neighbors went in to clean up the house before Bruce's wife arrived. After setting off the BURGLAR ALARM, Darryl asked one neighbor to tell the police "DON'T SHOOT THE AFRO-AMERICAN".

No. 3  For always being the FIRST PLAYER AT PRACTICE. If you were living with 1 wife and 2 daughters as your bosses, wouldn't you need a little male bonding and support. No wonder Darryl wore Spiderman underwear.

No. 2  THE STATS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS TELL THE STORY

• Pro Bowl Player in 1990 & 1991
• 12 Career Interceptions
• 38.5 Sacks
• 4 Super Bowl Appearances
• West Virginia University Hall of Fame & All American
• Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
• The Spiritual Leader of the Buffalo "D" for 12 Years
• Future Pro Football Hall of Fame Honoree


No. 1  For being the BACK BONE OF THE DEFENSE - Backing up Bruce Smith and his other team mates… Bruce Smith stated, "I know he will always be back there, in position to back me up, if I am unable to make a play. Without Darryl Talley, I wouldn't be half as good a player as I am with him on my team."

Thank you Darryl Talley for a fantastic time in Buffalo Bills history!

Bill Hanes
Hanes Supply, Inc.