PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The moment was subtle. If you weren't looking, you would've missed it.
But early in the Buffalo Bills' training camp practice Friday on the campus of St. John Fisher University, star running back James Cook lined up near the sideline for a pass thrown by a coach. Sneaking in from behind, unnoticed by Cook, was MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
As Cook reeled in the pass and turned, there Allen was, faking as if to crush Cook with a huge hit.
Why does that matter? Because that's who the Bills are, and that's how Cook fits into the group.
Cook wants a new contract, just like a bunch of other stars around the NFL do. Trey Hendrickson is in Florida instead of at Bengals camp. Terry McLaurin hasn't showed up for the Commanders yet. Micah Parsons is with the Cowboys, but he's not practicing.
Of the potential holdouts this offseason, Cook is the only one practicing.
Sure, he suggested earlier in the week that if he has to leave Buffalo to get his eventual payday, he'll do it. But that wouldn't be until after this season.
And what a season it could be. The Bills, again, have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. And if this is indeed their last season with their star running back, then they better take their best shot at it now.
Cook must recognize that, even though he's not getting that $15 million per year deal he wants, he's a crucial piece to this puzzle.
MORE: Micah Parsons risks temporary retirement, frozen contract if he leaves training camp
Buffalo's culture is different, new signee Joey Bosa said this week. He said he's already spent more time away from the facilities with his teammates with the Bills than he did in nearly a decade with the Chargers.
It's a culture where the star quarterback can fake a tackle on the star running back. It's one where Cook and tight end Dalton Kincaid can push each other in one-on-one pass-catching drills, each taking turns defending the other. It's a culture that, with everyone on board, can lead to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Culture is a buzzword, for sure. What does it really mean?
Maybe, for the Buffalo Bills, it means those little moments that make Cook want to practice and be there for his teammates despite his desire for a new contract. And that, potentially, is priceless.
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