Interview with John Wayne Wendling: Reflections on His Rookie Season

[wyo]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/wyorbilzfan/RS1X0630sm.jpg

What you see is what you get with John Wayne Wendling, and I have a feeling that's just the way he likes it. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially with this guy because he's not much of a talker. This picture captures the essence of this hard working young man drafted in the sixth round from a transitioning team at the University of Wyoming. He came from a football program in flux, because the University of Wyoming was the only other Division I school along with SUNY Buffalo to share the dubious distinction of being on the same hit list by the NCAA regarding mandatory attendance minimums at games.

So John is no neophyte to being from an "outside place" looking in. He told me last summer that it was a "perfect fit" for him to be going to Buffalo to play for the Bills. His view has not changed, and if anything has been reinforced by his experience meeting a great fan base in Western New York for the first time during his rookie season.

John stated in a recent interview over this past week that he was completely focused on learning everything he could during his rookie year as a Buffalo Bill, but said there is so much yet to learn. Additionally, he also learned was that he was right about Bills fans being some of the most passionate fans in the NFL, and a great group of people to be around. I get the feeling he "gets" the mindset of Bills Nation.

The weather elements thrown at him during his rookie season with two games being played in horrible weather conditions didn't faze him in the least. This battle tested player has seen all that was thrown at him as far as weather, since his entire football career took place in Rock Springs, and at the University of Wyoming at Laramie. He appreciates and embraces weather-hardy and friendly Buffalo Bills fans. They are similar to the passionate crowds he played in front of at "U-Dub".

John is a quiet man, more comfortable in a "small town atmosphere" like Buffalo, than a large urban center. The largest city in Wyoming has less people than would fill Ralph Wilson stadium, and the state is 97,818 square miles with a population of 506,529.... compared to New York state's 49,108 square miles and a whole lot more people.

You get the idea. John is a player who has an appreciation and carries the pride of what it means too be a Buffalo Bill. That makes him a great fit with this young team, especially at this important juncture in Bills history.

When I asked John about the loss of Sam Aiken to the Patriots, he said that although Sam would definitely be missed, and he wished him well, he feels strongly that there is nucleus of young players that will more than adequately fill the shoes of players who have left Special Teams.

You definitely get the feeling that John is probably typical of the younger Bills like Poz, Marshawn and others who are ready to take this team forward toward success. The personality of this team seems to be made up of players like Wendling.

Here are some of the direct comments he made from questions I asked him by email recently:

"wyo: How was playing in the NFL in terms of your expectations going in?

JWW-I wasn't sure what to expect. The Bills organization is one built on integrity and success. I loved getting out there and competing on Sundays. I really enjoyed everything about it. I felt fortunate to be a Buffalo Bill.

wyo: What is one thing you want Bills fans to know about what it's like to be from Rock Springs, Wyoming and playing for the Bills?

JWW-The Buffalo area and Rock Springs both enjoy the comforts of cold, windy weather and great people.

wyo-How did you find adjusting to living in Buffalo and playing in some rough elements at the end of the season?

JWW-There was no adjustment at all, I grew up playing football in the cold... I felt right at home.

wyo-Do you hope to get on the field on defense this year, and what are your specific goals and expectations for yourself and the team?

JWW-I will be relentless in preparing myself for an opportunity to get out there on defense, and improving my play on special teams. I want to be a part of this team as it heads for championship status."

OK, so as a Bills fan, what's not to admire about this lunch bucket player who shuns attention regarding his oft played youtube freakish hurdling skills, but would rather focus on being part of a team "as it heads for a championship status"? He is a prototype of a "Dick Jauron" high character kind of player.

John Wendling has made me proud to be a life long Bills fan living in Wyoming. It will be fun to watch him as he works to improve his productivity with the Buffalo Bills. Somehow, you just can't get it out of your mind that a guy named John Wayne would be a great representative of what it means to be a young Buffalo Bill. I can't wait to see what is ahead for this young man.

Thanks for the interview, John :thumbsup:.

:dolfans:=wyo

Robyn Mundy or "wyo" is a die hard Buffalo Bills fan who has lived in Wyoming for 15 years. She refuses to wear pink shirts, but still aspires to achieve Chris Brown's greatness as a sports journalist.

[speedracer216]

i haven't read the interview yet (thanks for posting)

but dang! his name is john wayne? that's hilarious and sweet!

EDIT: ok i read it now. great interview, thanks wyo and wendling! i love the attitude. seems like every young guy on this team has the drive, the passion, and the firm belief that they will be playing in january sooner than later. like they refuse to let it happen any other way! i love it. glad to have you wendling. hit em hard!

[DaMan20]

Ty for doing this Wyo, great read... best in a while!

Wendling sounds like a great person, and I'm glad he's on the Bills. All teams need players like him, the more the better.

"The Buffalo area and Rock Springs both enjoy the comforts of cold, windy weather and great people."...thats huge right there, NOW LETS GET SOME HOME PLAYOFF GAMES!

Wendling had a great year special teams wise... getting better towards the end of the year, will be cool to watch em' progress...and get some action on D.

Sum1 to keep an eye on this spring training and preseason PPL...

Thx for the interview:)

[Cagey Dick]

I hope Wendling gets to play a little "D" this year. The guy looks like he can knock a few heads!

[Buddo]

Thank god for something of substance in amongst the huge quantities of mindless drivel that seem to be making up the mb this last week or so.
Good read. Good job. Thanks.

[jb buff]

Great read Wyo, :thumbsup: Thanks.
JB

[wyo]

calvin,

Ohhh yea... he can do that full force. This guy hits like a ten ton truck. I saw him play a couple of times for UW, and he is fearless.

When he used the word "relentless", that's a word that describes his personality. He never stops.

People have to remember the college program he came from is not a paved road to the NFL, and it was in flux at the time he was there. So he came into the NFL needing some polishing.

But just watch him polish off some players this upcoming season. I think he's going to blossom this season, especially for those of us who are :ballburglar:.

[your climax]

Wendling gonna be great for us on ST

[timekills]

Wyo,

Thanks for the interview. I assume this was conducted back in your home state?

Has John's drafting had any impact on U of Wyo's ( ;) ) recruiting; i.e. are they using him in that regard?

[wyo]

timekills,

LOL, I'm sure they are trying to use John's first year in the NFL as a recruiting tool. However, UWYO had a pretty disappointing season last year (without John... our gain was their loss), and I think there may be more transition to come with the coaching staff in Laramie if they don't turn things around quickly. But that's just my :mytwocents:.

UWYO does want to take their program to the next level, and I hope they have more success this year. But we got a dedicated, hard working player in Wendling, and that jump you see from rookie to second year is something I expect to see from him as he improves his game.

[a bills fan is a real fan]

off topic but he looks like dale earnhardt jr.

[newyork_guy2122]

Did we have to add the "Wayne" lol lol lol. I mean John Wendling would of been good enough.

[Shaw66]

Great job, Wyo! Thanks.

I hope he's our impact special teams guy this season.

[ThirdMan75]

Great read! You are one lucky Wyo to have that kind of access to a Bills player! I love watching him run down kick returners. He is a demon.

Is it September yet? I can't wait to see him knock Ted Ginn Jr on his arse!

[wyo]

Did we have to add the "Wayne" lol lol lol. I mean John Wendling would of been good enough.

Always a critic in every crowd. LOL. Some of us are very proud of what John Wayne portrayed as a "Cowboy" which is the essence of our state. I think it's great that he was named after a man who portrayed the essence of the "man from the west". So sorry, he's John Wayne Wendling in my book and always will be :thumbsup:


Shaw,

Thanks. JWW's a great guy, and if effort counts for anything, you know this guy is going to give it his all. He's acutely aware of how important it will be to keep Special Teams performing at a high level, and is confident that the younger players will be able to make up for the loss of veteran ST talent.

It will be interesting to see who the Bills draft as far as how much some of the new rookies coming in might also help STs.

I think most of us agree that for the first time in awhile, the AFCE might be more competitive this year. Let's hope so!

[wyo]

Great read! You are one lucky Wyo to have that kind of access to a Bills player! I love watching him run down kick returners. He is a demon.

Is it September yet? I can't wait to see him knock Ted Ginn Jr on his arse!

Third,

Thanks, I do appreciate the generosity of his time. But there aren't very many of us wyos that are Bills fans, but Wendling has sure made a lot more of us since he became a Buffalo Bill. Wyoming people do tend to be more open to one another because there are so few of us.

And yes, I love the way Wendling hits people. Now with some experience under his belt, I hope to see him force even more fumbles and be a disruptive nightmare on STs, and possibly on defense as well.

Never know what's in store for this guy :thumbsup:

[newyork_guy2122]

Always a critic in every crowd. LOL. Some of us are very proud of what John Wayne portrayed as a "Cowboy" which is the essence of our state. I think it's great that he was named after a man who portrayed the essence of the "man from the west". So sorry, he's John Wayne Wendling in my book and always will be :thumbsup:


Shaw,

Thanks. JWW's a great guy, and if effort counts for anything, you know this guy is going to give it his all. He's acutely aware of how important it will be to keep Special Teams performing at a high level, and is confident that the younger players will be able to make up for the loss of veteran ST talent.

It will be interesting to see who the Bills draft as far as how much some of the new rookies coming in might also help STs.

I think most of us agree that for the first time in awhile, the AFCE might be more competitive this year. Let's hope so!

Just a lil fun thats, John Waynes cool as hell

[Thronsen]

'He came from a football program in flux, because the University of Wyoming was the only other Division I school along with SUNY Buffalo to share the dubious distinction of being on the same hit list by the NCAA regarding mandatory attendance minimums at games. '

There is a NCAA mandatory attendance minimum at games?

Is this true?

[ThirdMan75]

Third,

Thanks, I do appreciate the generosity of his time. But there aren't very many of us wyos that are Bills fans, but Wendling has sure made a lot more of us since he became a Buffalo Bill. Wyoming people do tend to be more open to one another because there are so few of us.

I remember you saying last year that there was a big jump in satellite TV installations in his hometown. That's a really cool thing to me, the fact that there is a little town in America a few thousand miles away from Orchard Park that's rooting for the Bills.

[squonk85]

good read, I love the humility and the appreciation to have achieved what he has so far. but what I would like to know and I mentioned this last year is why? with his speed, toughness and ability to vertical at a ridiculous height that he hasn't transitioned to corner where he could be a star. there has to be someone who can teach him the nuances of the position. can you say "Pro Bowl".

[psubills62]

Great article/interview. So will he be a primary backup next year too in addition to special teams? He probably did have a ton of things to learn last year, considering he jumped from U of Wyoming to the NFL. I'd like to see what he has to offer on the defensive side of the field. Good for him, he sounds like a very solid, hard-working guy who deserves to be on this team for a long time.

[losman to evans]

I think Wendling's progress will make Coy Wire's absence a little less obvious. I see Wendling as the same kind of player as Wire, a hardworking, team oriented, special teams standout, as well as an all around good guy. I am rooting for John to earn that spot on D that Coy never really did though!!

GO JOHN!
GO BILLS!!

[speedracer216]

calvin,

Ohhh yea... he can do that full force. This guy hits like a ten ton truck. I saw him play a couple of times for UW, and he is fearless.

When he used the word "relentless", that's a word that describes his personality. He never stops.

People have to remember the college program he came from is not a paved road to the NFL, and it was in flux at the time he was there. So he came into the NFL needing some polishing.

But just watch him polish off some players this upcoming season. I think he's going to blossom this season, especially for those of us who are :ballburglar:.

relentless: the hard-hitting history of the buffalo bills.

parts 1 and 2 on my shelf :)

[wyo]

'He came from a football program in flux, because the University of Wyoming was the only other Division I school along with SUNY Buffalo to share the dubious distinction of being on the same hit list by the NCAA regarding mandatory attendance minimums at games. '

There is a NCAA mandatory attendance minimum at games?

Is this true?

Well, I wouldn't have written it if it wasn't, lol. I try to be accurate.

I dug this out of a website from a college website because I couldn't find it easily accessible on the NCAA website:

Division I-A teams have to meet minimum attendance requirements (average 15,000 people in actual or paid attendance per home game), which must be met once in a rolling two-year period.

I remember reading the year before last that the University of Wyoming and SUNY Buffalo were placed on "probation" for not meeting these mandatory minimum attendance requirements for all D-1 schools.

I can't address the issue of why UB was placed on the hit list, except I can imagine their horrid losing record since going D-1 (thank goodness it's getting better) must have had some impact.

For Wyoming, it's all about size and distance. Laramie (where UWYO is located) is a town that doubles in size when the University is in session. It's a small town, and the ONLY four year state university in Wyoming in a town of around 20,000.

However, it's very frustrating because the state is SO large that people around the state have to drive hundreds of miles to see a game. But that doesn't mean that we aren't die hard fans. There is a proud tradition here in Wyoming toward its one University. However, remember it's a state over TWICE the size of New York State, with a population of only 506,000 people.

LOL, off topic but Democrats are caucusing today in Wyoming... and there are only a little over 50,000 registered Democrats in the whole state!

:dolfans:=wyo

[Sledge]

Thanks for the interview wyo, enjoyed it very much. He comes off as a very driven guy, aspiring for his goals and won't stop at anything and I really like that about him. Hopefully he can get some more PT this year and show us what all the preparation pays off as.

[ClevelandBackersPrez]

calvin,

Ohhh yea... he can do that full force. This guy hits like a ten ton truck. I saw him play a couple of times for UW, and he is fearless.

When he used the word "relentless", that's a word that describes his personality. He never stops.

People have to remember the college program he came from is not a paved road to the NFL, and it was in flux at the time he was there. So he came into the NFL needing some polishing.

But just watch him polish off some players this upcoming season. I think he's going to blossom this season, especially for those of us who are :ballburglar:.

good read WYO. Hey, did Wyoming make if off the NCAA watch list? I think UB did - they had a good year and definitely won't have any attendence problems next year with the team they have coming back.

[NC#1BillsFan]

Wyo, as always, terrific and insightful post. I just love to hear guys like John and Poz talk about football. You can actually hear the passion for the game in their words and love the fact they are Buffalo Bills. From what I heard about Derek Schouman, he is cut from the same mold and could very well suprise at TE this year. Thanks for a great interview!:thumbsup:

[DoomCrew_WY]

timekills,

LOL, I'm sure they are trying to use John's first year in the NFL as a recruiting tool. However, UWYO had a pretty disappointing season last year (without John... our gain was their loss), and I think there may be more transition to come with the coaching staff in Laramie if they don't turn things around quickly. But that's just my :mytwocents:.

UWYO does want to take their program to the next level, and I hope they have more success this year. But we got a dedicated, hard working player in Wendling, and that jump you see from rookie to second year is something I expect to see from him as he improves his game.

We had a disappointing season because our QB fell on his azz, the O line wasn't that great and we failed to use Michael Ford properly. The defense was great, ranked in the top 10 nationally but when you're not scoring or moving the ball on offense, the defense tends to tire out. Mainly you can blame the offense and the now fired offensive coordinator.

However, UW did beat UVA the first game of the season and made the Cavs look like a bunch of mediocre players, including Chris Long.

Unfortunately, the schedule UW is playing isn't the strongest with Tennessee being the most difficult game. The Syracuse Yellowbellies were too afraid to come play in elevation and therefore backed out of their portion of the contract. I think over the next few years we're playing New Mexico State in home/home series, Colorado in home/home series and I think a couple teams out of the Pac-10 and SEC.

There's been lots of good players come out of UW...actually there's been lots of good athletes come out of Wyoming. Theo Ratliff, Kenny Sailors, Jim Kiick, Marcus Harris, Reese Andy, Jay Novacek that's just to name a few.

[TigerJ]

I gained an appreciation about 13 years ago for how wide open Wyoming is. We drove out to Yellowstown and the Grand Tetons. We entered Wyoming from the southeast, Cheyenne and Laramie. We camped out in Medicine Bow National Forest. It was the second week of August, but at 10,000 feet of elevation we had a heavy frost. Everyone got cold in their sleeping bags. We had to drive 50 miles one way back to Laramie to buy sweats to keep warm the next night.

[Gersnok]

just rotate ko and this guy and we will have both hitting and coverage

[jk32]

Great job wyo, hopefully John Wendling can be the next john lynch. Just looked at Lynch's career stats and he didn't become an impact player until his 4th year.

[wyo]

We had a disappointing season because our QB fell on his azz, the O line wasn't that great and we failed to use Michael Ford properly. The defense was great, ranked in the top 10 nationally but when you're not scoring or moving the ball on offense, the defense tends to tire out. Mainly you can blame the offense and the now fired offensive coordinator.

However, UW did beat UVA the first game of the season and made the Cavs look like a bunch of mediocre players, including Chris Long.

Unfortunately, the schedule UW is playing isn't the strongest with Tennessee being the most difficult game. The Syracuse Yellowbellies were too afraid to come play in elevation and therefore backed out of their portion of the contract. I think over the next few years we're playing New Mexico State in home/home series, Colorado in home/home series and I think a couple teams out of the Pac-10 and SEC.

There's been lots of good players come out of UW...actually there's been lots of good athletes come out of Wyoming. Theo Ratliff, Kenny Sailors, Jim Kiick, Marcus Harris, Reese Andy, Jay Novacek that's just to name a few.

Hey Doom :)

You forgot Conrad Dobler!!!! The nastiest, dirtiest player of his time in the NFL. He was even a Buffalo Bill for awhile!

Good to 'see' you :thumbsup:

jk32,

You're lucky you had only a 50 mile drive, lol. Glad you got some sweats though, you need them year round when you're up in the higher elevations. Most of this state is over 5,000 feet (except where I live in NE part of the state, the "banana belt":)


I've been laughing all day at CNN and how they made fun of Wyoming. The "city slicker" media journalists from the east were talking about our great state like it was another planet.

HAHAHAHAHA.... IT IS!!!!

:dolfans:=wyo

P.S. I don't know if UW is now off the NCAA attendance poo list. I think so, but DOOM lives down there and he would know. I live near where he calls "The People's Republic of Sheridan", which is on the opposite side of the state (up north). LOL.

[CFLfan]

coy wire was a sweetheart too. a great guy who never could start in the NFL but had a great story behind him. Bottom Line - the guy better show something in camp or he's history. Making the roster is one thing - especially on a team that hasn't smelled a play-off game in 8 years. John was probably 15 then? this team doesn't need anymore nice guys with nice stories.

[wyo]

LOL CFL,

I doubt you'd write that if you got smacked by him. John Wendling is a nice guy, but he's like Marshawn and gets in BEAST mode on the field.

He already pounded a guy hard enough to fumble the ball, and I forgot which Bill picked up the ball and scored this past season.

He's got a NASTY streak on the field, trust me. WATCH HIM hit players. He just needs a little experience, and I think he will be a great player. He's a physical freak!

[losman to evans]

LOL CFL,

I doubt you'd write that if you got smacked by him. John Wendling is a nice guy, but he's like Marshawn and gets in BEAST mode on the field.

He already pounded a guy hard enough to fumble the ball, and I forgot which Bill picked up the ball and scored this past season.

He's got a NASTY streak on the field, trust me. WATCH HIM hit players. He just needs a little experience, and I think he will be a great player. He's a physical freak!


haha WYO,
Don't mind CFL, he has some preconceived notion that every player on an NFL team should be a superstar and that any team that carries guys that are special teams aces or high quality backups with great leadership is just wasting roster spots.

He made a thread earlier asking why we should keep players like Coy, George Wilson and Ryan Denney even though they could not start on any team. He went on to say that arguments that they were high quality backups or that they were the reason that our special teams has been near the top of the league for years were completely invalid.

[Tyneside]

Pure class. Reminds of a normal everyday kid that worked his butt off to live a dream. Now he lives that dream, but is still dedicated to keep working his butt and try to earn a role in our defense.

[billingsbillsbacker]

Wyo -

Good job, and thanks for the update on our homegrown boy! Glad to hear the latest on him.

My family and I were in Sheridan this weekend for a visit, but I think the weather was actually better up here on Saturday ;)

Later!

[Sack 'em Good]

Sounds awesome!

We're great to have you aboard as well!

Thanks for the interview wyo!

[Dangerusman51]

I think that his name being what it is is awesome!

John Wayne will forever be one of my favorite actors. I absolutely love his movies!!!

Thanks Wyo for putting this together! I enjoyed reading it!

[BadLandsMeanie]

Awesome article wyo ! :)

[wyo]

Thanks Badlands and Everyone,

I'm going to ask the other mods to leave this article "stickied" for the work week crew. There are a few folks left that I think might enjoy reading this article. I'll take it down tomorrow. Right now, it's nice to have another player to think about other than Bryant Johnson. :rotflmao:

As I mentioned last week in Shaw's thread about this great message board, I want to remind everyone, this is your board. Though some people will nit pick and outright dislike the "lack of smack" that's tolerated here, the fact is that we are all guests on this official message board of the Buffalo Bills.

It's hard for me to remember that players and front office people are here, and coming to this message board in ever increasing numbers. A blessing or a curse? Comes with recognizing the power of the "bookmark" :firstplace:. I was here back in the day when things were not necessarily so sanitized. I actually like it better now. Just football and a little light banter; hold the mayo.

By the way, the youtube videos about Buffalo: The Dream, The Team & The Town are also something "stickied" on the board this morning (Mon) that if ANY of you missed, you shouldn't. They definitely belong in any youtube "favorites" playlist.

So on this fabulous and gorgeous Monday morning (after an hour was stolen from your weekend), sip on your coffee and enjoy the ride this week. Let's see what the Bills might have in store! I have a feeling something will happen this week that will get everyone stirred up. It's time. The natives of Bills Nation are restless.

I'm ready and guessing that JWWendling is getting starting a new week in preparation for next season. I was hoping he would be a little more open with me about how he might SPECIFICALLY be used next season on defense. He did tell me last year that he was hoping to get in some nickel formations. Now that would be cool.


Happy Monday, everyone!

:dolfans:=wyo

[xboomer]

Wyo, I really want to see what JW can do on Defense. I think he has the potential to be a dominating player once he learns what it takes to play at the NFL level.

[beeve17]

congratulations for being on the third slide of BBills.com. Great read and interview. hope you succeed as a bills journalist!

[Trent Rules]

I met Wendling during Training Camp 07 in the Eastview Mall and he was a very cool guy. It was like week 3 at Fisher and I asked him how he liked being a Bill and he replied with "I absolutely love it." Made my day i can tell you that.... and he's built like a brick house, the guy is all muscle.

[wyo]

Thanks, beeve :thumbsup: I enjoyed writing the article.

Trent,

Yea, JWW means it when he says he's thrilled to be a Buffalo Bill. I hope he gets his chance to take it to the next level this season. He's a great guy, and he does have a nasty streak on the field!

I'm glad you got a chance to meet him. Now you know why I'm so proud that a great Wyoming guy is also a Buffalo Bill.

[blainorama]

congratulations for being on the third slide of BBills.com. Great read and interview. hope you succeed as a bills journalist!

:spotparty:

Congrats wyo!!!! Great story. I like Wendling a lot and hope he has a great season!

GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Desolation_Angels]

Hello Wyoming, and excellent thread. I am also a big fan of John Wendling, and I admire all of the qualities that he brings to the Bills. My former name here was Frisco64, and you and I had several discussions about John "Wayne" last year. I am sure with his work ethic, he will solidify a roster spot for quite awhile.