ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Hours after the Buffalo Bills presented Rex Ryan with a "Welcome Rex" pizza at their facility, the team's new coach headed around the corner for a beer with Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.
Ryan has been embraced by Kelly, the iconic former Bills quarterback.
"I am very excited about the hiring of Rex Ryan not only because of his coaching ability but also because of how he works with players and how players work for and respect him," Kelly said in a statement posted to his wife's Instagram page Tuesday. "He now has very talented players to go with the enthusiasm he brings to the locker room."
Kelly's wife, Jill, also shared a snapshot from the Big Tree Inn meeting via social media:
A photo posted by Jill Kelly (@jillmkelly) on
Kelly is no stranger to the Big Tree Inn, a bar adjacent to Ralph Wilson Stadium that was popular among players during Kelly's playing days. Even former coach Doug Marrone made a few stops at the establishment.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what he does on the offensive side of the ball," Kelly said in the statement. "I'm also excited about Rex Ryan's determination to bring winning football back to the RALPH, to the amazing Bills fans and to the great city and people of Buffalo! GO BILLS!"
The Bills greeted Ryan with an oversized pizza decorated with "Welcome Rex" in spinach and colored ricotta cheese as he toured the team's facility Tuesday.
Ryan later attended the Buffalo Sabres' game against the Detroit Red Wings with several of his former New York Jets assistants, including defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman. The Bills have yet to announce any of Ryan's hires beyond offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
The Bills will introduce Ryan at a news conference Wednesday.
We'll have one cheese pizza with extra Rex, please. #WelcomeRex
Huge thanks to our friends at La Nova! pic.twitter.com/K1XAdEVZ6Q
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) January 13, 2015