Bills player history: Looking back at wide receiver Quinn Early
The Buffalo Bills have been in existence since 1960. With 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, lets 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 week's remember a Bill: wide receiver Quinn Early
Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of 1988 out of Iowa, Quinn Early had himself a solid NFL career. His 1988 rookie campaign was a good one with 29 rec 375 yard and 4 touchdowns. The next two years were harder to build upon with 26 rec 364 yards and one touchdown in 1989 and 1990 combined. After three seasons in San Diego, it was time for a change so Early went down south to New Orleans.
In five seasons with New Orleans, Early started to establish himself and a threat. Having 270 receptions for 3,758 yards and 25 touchdowns in 79 games with the Saints. Early was top 10 in yards per reception in ’91 and ’92. Ranked 10th in the NFL in receptions in ’94, and really earned himself the respect from opposing defenses that he was a threat to go to the house from anywhere at anytime.
Three seasons in Buffalo brought 129 rec 1,868 yards and 10 touchdowns, with one of them being that 95 yard TD. At the time, this 95 yard TD pass was the longest in Bills history until Terrell Owens and Ryan Fitzpatrick hit a 98 yard TD in 2009, which was tied by Josh Allen and Gabe Davis in 2022. After Buffalo, Early played one last season with the Jets before calling it a career.
In retirement Quinn Early has really found himself a fun new job. Quinn Early has settled into being an actor, writer, and stuntman in Hollywood. He has been involved in many of your favorite TV shows and movies. Ant Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Mayans M.C., SWAT TV series, with Captain America: Brave New World on the horizon and many more.
From Iowa to San Diego, with stops in New Orleans, Buffalo and New York, then to Hollywood, Quinn Early has really had a wild ride and has chased his professional passions which makes him. In my opinion, he is one of the most interesting former Bills of all-time. He was a speedster wide receiver to stuntman. Quinn Early, we remember you fondly.