1st & Ten

Mike Tolbert hasn’t wasted any time in becoming a fan favorite with his new team. The 31- year-old was initially expected to contribute on special teams in Buffalo but quickly surpassed those expectations after becoming the team’s No. 2 running back behind LeSean McCoy. Tolbert has also become an important and dependable presence in the locker room, unafraid to speak out on social issues and other matters. Bills Digest recently caught up with Tolbert to get his thoughts on how his first year in Buffalo is going so far.

- Mike Tolbert

1 We’re in the thick of the season right now and it seems to be going pretty well for you both as a team and for you personally. How are things going so far? 

A: It’s going great. Didn’t really expect to be the No. 2 guy (at running back), I thought I would have a bigger role on special teams and help out on offense when I could. But I’ve put in the work, coaches and my teammates believe in me so I’m ready to go. I’m having a good time with it.

2 How much of a pleasant surprise has that been? Because like you said when you signed here you were expected to contribute more as a special teams player, but here you are as the No. 2 running back behind LeSean McCoy. 

A: It’s been a great surprise cause I’m a guy that’s used to having the ball in my hands earlier on in my career. Obviously the past few years being on a team with such a high-powered offense with Cam (Newton) and guys like that I didn’t get the ball as much but I feel like I’m doing a good job at what they’re asking me to do here and I feel like continuing this.

3 In your opinion, what do you think led to that type of role for you on this team? I know we as reporters saw at spring practices that you had plenty of spring in your step and that you looked like you could certainly contribute in a handful of ways on offense.