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Even though he’s found someone who wants him, and even though that might be a better professional situation for him, it was still hard for C.J. Spiller to leave.

As the now-Saints running back was packing up his things in Buffalo, he told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News that he didn’t realize how difficult it would be to go.

“I thought it would be a smooth cleanout,” Spiller said. “But you start packing up and keep coming across something that brings all the memories flooding back to you. It starts sinking in that you’re moving on. . . .

“I’ll always be a Buffalo Bill at heart. This is where my journey began. I’ll always have love for this city and look forward to watching them play and look for them to get back to where they belong. This is a special place, and I can tell they’re building something special.”

Of course, the Bills never built around Spiller the way it seemed they might after taking him ninth overall in 2010. Part of that was on him, part on old coaches and part on a deep depth chart at his position, but Spiller only hinted at his ability.

His 2012 Pro Bowl season of 1,703 yards from scrimmage was the outlier rather than the norm, as coaches struggled to involve him, particularly in the red zone. That became increasingly difficult under Doug Marrone the last two years.

“It was frustrating,” Spiller said. “I’m not going to sit here and say I was happy about the situation because I would be lying. Like any competitor, you want to be on the field, trying to help your team win, trying to score touchdowns. To have the opportunity … I don’t want to say ‘taken away.’ I guess I should say ‘to not be given the opportunity’ because of my size was tough. . . .

“Probably a young, college No. 28 would’ve said some things,” he said. “But I grew as a player by watching guys like Fred [Jackson] and Marshawn [Lynch] prepare and from guys like Kyle Williams.

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RaginCajun83

His heart can be in Buffalo but his ass belongs to Sean Payton now

ChrisXVI

It'll be easier once he actually wins some games... I'm sure he's forgotten what that feels like!

Euphoria

Once he is in the dome and feeling that vibe... he'll forget all about the Buffalo.

sfruge26

I really like Spiller's attitude and he says all the right things imo. I'm excited to see if he can stay healthy and produce this year

Crusader

I like it! Nothing wrong with having some love fore a place where you have been for a bunch of years. I always think its weirder when its the opposite.

SaintsBro

I can see why he feels this way. I've actually been up in Buffalo a couple of times on game day, and I gotta say...the whole town pretty much shuts down when the Bills are playing...win or lose, they tailgate and cook and drink and party and throw down....EVERYONE gets into it, it's pretty impressive. And they have a lot of family fandom, where the whole family is into it -- in-laws, relatives, neighbors, old and young, it's a lot like the way the Saints fan base does. Not wine and cheese and checking their stock portfolios on their cellphones, like the 49ers fans or whatever.

The team itself may not be all that hot, but I give much props to the Buffalo fans and to the football culture of the city. So I can see why Spiller is attached to it.

arsaint

In a word - loyalty.

Now it's time to join the WhoDat nation though. Being a contender will sooth the pain!

RaginCajun83

Winning 5 games by week 8 will cover any feelings he had for Buffalo

Rugby Saint II

He'll enjoy the weather and the food here much more than he'll miss Buffalo.