The Buffalo Bills’ storied history, stretching back to their inception in 1960, features over 1,800 players who have donned the team’s uniform. Among this vast roster of talent, some players are etched into the team’s legacy as fan favorites, all-stars, or Hall of Famers. This week, we revisit a lesser-known but memorable figure in Bills history: wide receiver Quinn Early.
Quinn Early, drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft out of Iowa, began his professional career with promise. His rookie season was notable, with 29 receptions, 375 yards, and four touchdowns. Despite a challenging follow-up in 1989 and 1990, where he accumulated 26 receptions for 364 yards and a single touchdown, Early’s potential was clear.
After three seasons with the Chargers, Early moved to the New Orleans Saints, where he began to truly make his mark. Over five seasons with the Saints, he amassed 270 receptions, 3,758 yards, and 25 touchdowns. His performance in 1991 and 1992, where he ranked among the top 10 in yards per reception, and his 1994 season, where he was 10th in the NFL in receptions, solidified his reputation as a significant offensive threat.
Early’s journey continued with the Buffalo Bills, where he played from 1992 to 1994. In Buffalo, he recorded 129 receptions for 1,868 yards and 10 touchdowns. His most notable play was a 95-yard touchdown reception, which was the longest in Bills history until 2009, when Terrell Owens and Ryan Fitzpatrick connected on a 98-yard touchdown, a record later matched by Josh Allen and Gabe Davis in 2022.
After his time with the Bills, Early spent one final season with the New York Jets before retiring from professional football. Post-retirement, Early transitioned into a new career in Hollywood. He has embraced roles as an actor, writer, and stuntman, appearing in popular TV shows and films such as Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Mayans M.C., and the SWAT TV series. He is also set to appear in Captain America: Brave New World.
From his beginnings in Iowa and career stops in San Diego, New Orleans, Buffalo, and New York, to his current Hollywood endeavors, Quinn Early’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His transition from a speedster wide receiver to a stuntman in the entertainment industry makes him one of the most intriguing former Bills players. Quinn Early, with his diverse career and lasting impact, is fondly remembered by fans.