Sweet Flutie

Doug Flutie , once dubbed too small to play in the US National Football League, has agreed to a four-year contract extension …

Doug Flutie , once dubbed too small to play in the US National Football League, has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth £22 million with the Buffalo Bills. "Flutie-mania" took hold of Buffalo fans last season, as Flutie guided the team to eight victories in 11 starts as the Bills rolled into the play-offs.

Flutie, 36, received a $6 million signing bonus in the new deal. Replacing the injured Rob Johnson, Flutie, an eight-year veteran of the Canadian Football League, completed 57 per cent of his passes for 2,711 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran 49 times for 245 yards.

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times