Son of Bills legend John Fina gets his chance at rookie camp

ORCHARD PARK - For at least this weekend, offensive lineman Bruno Fina is getting the rare NFL opportunity to wear the same uniform his father John Fina wore with distinction for a decade. Bruno is participating in the Buffalo Bills’ rookie camp, just like his father did in the spring of 1992 after he was Buffalo’s first-round draft pick, selected No. 27 overall by legendary general manager Bill Polian, halfway through the Bills’ run to four consecutive Super Bowls.

Unlike his father who was basically assured a roster spot when he showed up for his first workout in Buffalo, the odds are long for the younger Fina to stay with the Bills beyond this rookie camp. He’s here as an unsigned undrafted free agent who was granted a tryout, a mere two days to prove he belongs. The Bills have only a few open roster spots available, and they already have 14 offensive linemen under contract including two players they just picked in the draft a couple weeks ago.

Still, Bruno is enjoying the experience because he knows it’s not too often where a father and son play for the same organization. “I mean it’s kind of like when I got my first offer out of high school, it’s just kind of disbelief and gratitude and excited for the opportunity and see where I go,” he said. “It was definitely surreal.

I didn’t know I was going to have a locker; I walked in and my name was on a locker and here I am holding the helmet with the blue and red stripe on it. It’s special and I feel very very lucky to be here. ” The only way he’ll be able to stay when the Bills continue their offseason program is to catch the eye of, first, new offensive line coach Pat Meyer and assistant line coach Austin Gund, and ultimately head coach Joe Brady and president/general manager Brandon Beane who make the final decisions.