Latest news with #MichaelHoecht
3 days ago
- Business
Bills Free Agent Addition Addresses PED Suspension
Bills Free Agent Addition Addresses PED Suspension originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills wanted to address their defensive line in major ways this offseason. They accomplished that goal during the first week of free agency with the signings of Larry Ogunjobi, Joey Bosa, and Michael Hoecht. Advertisement There's just one problem, though. All of them won't be on the practice field for the most part over the next few months. Bosa is dealing with a calf injury that will keep him out until training camp. Ogunjobu and Hoecht, meanwhile, were suspended during the same week they signed their contracts for violating the league's PED policy. On the Ross Tucker Podcast this week, the former Ram in Hoecht explained that he let the Bills know a suspension was coming before he agreed to a deal. And the reason for that was to help Buffalo out with his mistakes. "I think it was wanting to negotiate in good faith," Hoecht said. "It was my mistake. I was careless and put faith in people I shouldn't have put faith in. And I didn't want to play the game of secrecy and hiding it and trying to screw over a team over." Advertisement Hoecht was a swiss army knife for the Rams over the last few seasons. When he's on the field, he should be able to make an immediate impact on the Bills roster. They key will be *when* he hits the field. Suspensions for players that enter a new system are never easy to move on from. And in the case of Hoecht, he will need to show he can play in Buffalo's complex defensive system first. Related: Bills Ex Stefon Diggs Caught In Patriots Controversy Via Boat Video Related: Bills' Sean McDermott Speaks Out On Tush Push This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
3 days ago
- Business
Bills Suspended Edge Rusher Still Thrilled To Join Team
Bills Suspended Edge Rusher Still Thrilled To Join Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Michael Hoecht knows he let his new team in the Buffalo Bills down. Shortly before coming to terms on a three-year deal in free agency, the defensive line tweener was notified that he was in violation of the league's PED policy - worthy of a six-game suspension. Advertisement Buffalo didn't care, though. They still signed him knowing that they will need a versatile player of his caliber to match-up against the top teams in the conference. That message of loyalty was important for Hoecht and a big reason why he wanted to come to Western New York. Playing for a Super Bowl contender certainly helps as well. "We've got loaded talent, top to bottom. So more than anything, more than money on [a] contract, I'm a football junkie," Hoecht said on the Ross Tucker Podcast. "I think, more than anything in the world, I think it's so cool going to a team that's going to be good. A team, hopefully, if all goes well according to plan, deep in the playoffs, and a chance to bring a Lombardi [Trophy] to Western New York. It couldn't be a more exciting team to be a part of." Advertisement It will be a little bit before Hoecht can suit up for the Bills. His six-game suspension, though, is perfectly placed in the team's schedule. Buffalo is on a bye week the following week Hoecht is reinstated - it will allow him to acclimate himself quickly to his new team. And prove to his new team why they were right to stand by him after all. Related: Bills Ex Stefon Diggs Caught In Patriots Controversy Via Boat Video Related: Bills' Sean McDermott Speaks Out On Tush Push This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
19-05-2025
- Sport
Bills Punishment Tied to Underrated Benefit in Schedule
The 2025 schedule release was very kind to the Buffalo Bills. Not only do the defending AFC East champions have the ninth easiest schedule in the league, they also have an underrated benefit to their stretch as well. During the offseason, the Bills signed defensive linemen in Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi to boost their run defense. Almost immediately after signing those deals, though, both players were given six-game suspensions by the league for violating the PED policy. Advertisement Losing two key additions for the first six games is never easy. Buffalo's schedule makes things a bit more cushy, though. "A potentially more significant benefit has to do with a couple of players new to the roster in 2025," Buffalo Rumblings explained. "The Bills signed a pair of free agents in defensive lineman Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi — and both will miss the first six weeks of action while serving suspensions for failed PED tests. "With a bye in Week 7, it will allow Hoecht and Ogunjobi to get re-acclimated to practice and hopefully back up to the playing speed they'll have developed during training camp and preseason action. It's a silver lining for a pair of tarnished signings by general manager Brandon Beane." Ogunjobi and Hoecht cannot practice with the team while they are suspended. The fact the Bills have a bye week after both players are reinstated is massive. Advertisement It shows there might be a path to both being immediate contributors when they are reinstated by the league. It's another example of how advantageous their schedule continues to be for Buffalo. Related: Bills Offered 1 Major Schedule Edge In Super Bowl Ramp-Up Related: Ravens' Roquan Sounds Off On 'Revenge' vs. Bills in Week 1
04-04-2025
- Sport
Michael Hoecht pens farewell to Rams: Hope to meet 'in the Super Bowl sometime real soon'
Michael Hoecht pens farewell to Rams: Hope to meet 'in the Super Bowl sometime real soon' Michael Hoecht played five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, going from undrafted defensive tackle to playing outside linebacker on a Super Bowl-winning team. He left L.A. in free agency this offseason, signing a three-year deal worth up to $24 million with the Buffalo Bills. That was almost a month ago but Hoecht made sure to take time to thank the organization that gave him a chance. He penned a nice farewell message to the Rams and their fans this week, thanking them for the last five years. Advertisement He even hopes to meet them in the Super Bowl at some point. 'Thank you for the memories, the support and the opportunity to chase after a dream. Hope to meet you all again in the Super Bowl sometime real soon,' he wrote. Hoecht shared some additional photos from his time with the Rams, including shots of him sacking Aaron Rodgers and Anthony Richardson, as well as an awesome photo of him blocking a kick against the Cardinals. Hoecht's tenure with the Bills will be slightly delayed after he was suspended six games for a PED violation, forcing him to miss the early portion of the 2025 season. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL free agency: Michael Hoecht pens farewell to Rams after leaving LA
USA Today
04-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michael Hoecht pens farewell to Rams: Hope to meet 'in the Super Bowl sometime real soon'
Michael Hoecht pens farewell to Rams: Hope to meet 'in the Super Bowl sometime real soon' It's been a minute, but I wanted to make sure I took the time to say thank you to LA. I'm beyond grateful to the unbelievable fans and the franchise for 5 great years with the @RamsNFL From an undrafted practice squad player to a Super Bowl Champion, I became the player I am… — Michael Hoecht (@realmikehoecht) April 4, 2025 Michael Hoecht played five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, going from undrafted defensive tackle to playing outside linebacker on a Super Bowl-winning team. He left L.A. in free agency this offseason, signing a three-year deal worth up to $24 million with the Buffalo Bills. That was almost a month ago but Hoecht made sure to take time to thank the organization that gave him a chance. He penned a nice farewell message to the Rams and their fans this week, thanking them for the last five years. He even hopes to meet them in the Super Bowl at some point. 'Thank you for the memories, the support and the opportunity to chase after a dream. Hope to meet you all again in the Super Bowl sometime real soon,' he wrote. Hoecht shared some additional photos from his time with the Rams, including shots of him sacking Aaron Rodgers and Anthony Richardson, as well as an awesome photo of him blocking a kick against the Cardinals. Hoecht's tenure with the Bills will be slightly delayed after he was suspended six games for a PED violation, forcing him to miss the early portion of the 2025 season.
