Donte Whitner Mentoring Leodis McKelvin

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Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner has not only been preparing himself for the 2008 football season, he’s been mentoring incoming rookie defensive back Leodis McKelvin as well. Entering just his third NFL season, Donte has already come to be known as a team leader by Bills head coach Dick Jauron. Safeties are known for being leaders in the defensive secondary and Donte has not taken his role lightly. In offseason workouts, he took Leodis (Buffalo’s first-round Draft choice this year) under his wing to ease his NFL transition. Donte even offered his home as a place for Leodis to stay until he finds his own pad in Buffalo:

“When I came into the NFL two years ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Leodis is a rookie in a similar situation that I was in. I know what he’s going through, so I want to help him get through the process as quick and as painless as possible.”

This doesn’t surprise me. When I spoke with Donte after the Bills’ final home game against the eventual Super Bowl champion N.Y. Giants last season, he talked at length about his concerns and hopes for the future of his team. In fact, we were the final two people in the locker room after the game. This was common for Donte. All season, he would stay and talk for as long as anyone wanted to speak with him — win or lose. I’ve interviewed Donte three times now and it’s obvious to me that he has a passion and commitment for the game unlike any other player I’ve seen. I mean, I know there are a lot of dedicated players like Donte, but you will not find anyone who is more dedicated. His presence with the Buffalo Bills only makes them a better team.

Source: BuffaloBills.com