Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
Buffalo Bills fans have raised more than $43,000 as of post time to help a former Bills player who is suffering from a myriad of mental, physical and financial struggles since he retired from the league in 1997.
Shortly after news of Darryl Talley’s struggles were published in The Buffalo News, a supporter began a fundraiser to help him. “Darryl is the proudest of men and it took a lot for him to even admit publicly that he needed help,” wrote Frank Thomas Croisdale. “For 12 years he circled the wagons for us, now it’s time for Bills’ fans to return the favor for our favorite son.”
In the Buffalo News article, Talley detailed what’s a heartbreakingly familiar story for many former NFL players: He has trouble sleeping, memory problems and suicidal thoughts as well as financial troubles.
“I remember watching the Bills when Talley, Smith, Thomas, Reid, Tasker, Kelly, and others played their hearts out in the 90s. The sheer love for the game and skill is still something I wish the NFL would get back. Yes there are some good players now but remembering how Darryl would get the crowd going. I miss that enthusiasm,” wrote one fan who donated. “Still a Buffalo fan. Always will be! Let’s go Buffalo! Let’s help our Buffalo Bills Spiderman!”
