Buffalo Bills Exec Bob O'Donnell Jr. Becomes First Father-Son Duo in Rochester Sports History
Pete Guelli, the Buffalo Bills' president of business operations, has become the first father-son duo in Rochester sports history to be inducted into the Rochester Red Wings Walk of Fame. Guelli's father, Frank, was a decorated amateur boxer and longtime Rochester restaurateur, who already has a commemorative brick in the Walk of Fame.
Pete Guelli's connection to Rochester runs deep. He grew up in Walworth and graduated from Aquinas Institute in 1983. His father, Frank, was a well-known figure in the community, particularly for his boxing career. Guelli remembers going to Red Wings games at Silver Stadium as a child.
Guelli's career in sports began when the Bills hired him in 1998 to help grow the franchise's presence in Rochester. One of his first major projects was helping bring training camp to St. John Fisher University in 2000. Guelli remembers the early negotiations and conversations with then-Fisher president Katherine Keough about what it would take to bring an NFL team to Rochester. Now, he's living it again, with the Bills extending their relationship with Fisher last year.
The Bills' training camp at St. John Fisher has become an integral part of the team's identity. Players, coaches, and staff live together on campus, which Guelli believes provides a unique level of teamwork and collaboration. "It's hard when you get so busy in Buffalo to connect directly with everyone," Guelli said. "This builds a level of teamwork and collaboration you can't get unless you go away."
Guelli's career eventually took him away from Western New York, but he returned to the Bills and Sabres in 2024. Now, he's spending part of his summer sleeping in a college dorm in Pittsford, exactly where he wants to be. "My thoughts are always wherever you are, make that your dream job," Guelli said. "If there is one, this is it."
Guelli's induction into the Rochester Red Wings Walk of Fame is a testament to his dedication to the city and its sports community. His father's legacy continues to inspire him, and he's proud to follow in his footsteps. Guelli's brick now joins his father's in the Walk of Fame, a permanent reminder of their contributions to Rochester sports.
The Bills' training camp at St. John Fisher will continue to be a part of the team's identity, with the team anticipating holding camp there for years to come. Guelli's leadership and dedication have played a significant role in the camp's success, and his induction into the Walk of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.
Source: Yahoo Sports