The Buffalo Bills have been in existence since 1960. 1,800 players and counting have worn a Bills uniform in a game. The rich history, splendid tapestry, good times, and bad times all bring us together every gameday. We have rooted for one-game wonders, fan-favorites, All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, and Hall of Famers. So, let's refresh your memories and remember another former Buffalo Bills player.
This week we are going to ‘remember a Bill’. The recurring piece that will jog your memories and bring back the fondness of watching this player put on the pads and play for our beloved Bills. Now, the players we will remember are not necessarily all-stars or hall of famers but just a someone that will make you stop and say, “hey, I remember him.”
This weeks remember a Bill: CB Nate Clements
Drafted 21st overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2001 out of Ohio State, Nate Clements was as shutdown of a corner that there has ever been in the NFL. Early years of the 2000s, the Bills built themselves a defense that was as tough as any to go against. What is unfortunate is that the team’s overall success never got them into the playoffs. Nate Clements was an anchor in the secondary for some of those defenses and a real difference maker on the field.
In Clements’ six seasons in Buffalo he amassed 23 interceptions, 5 defensive touchdowns, 12 forced fumbles, and 354 tackles. He finished third in Defensive rookie of the year voting in 2001, and made a Pro Bowl in 2004. He moved on from Buffalo after the 2006 season, spending four years in San Francisco, signing an eight-year $80 million deal which was the highest ever for a cornerback in NFL history in 2007.
San Francisco released Clements in 2011 and the last two years of his career were spent in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is the only times in his career where Clements went to the playoffs. Clements was a tremendous athlete. He held a Shaker Heights High School record of 14 INT’s in a season. Shaker Heights even retired his No. 20. He also made First-Team All Big Ten in 2000.
Nate Clements aside from all the other things he was able to do on a football field, he gave us this:
Put that hit on a poster and hang it up! Nate Clements, Buffalo Bills legend, possibly the only defender to hit Tom Brady hard, we remember you fondly.