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Brandon Beane, Stanly County native and general manager of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, was honored by Albemarle City Council on May 6 with a resolution recognizing him for outstanding service and for setting a positive example for students and young people from Stanly County.

Mayor Ronnie Michael noted that Beane began his career working through the ranks of the Carolina Panthers before accepting the GM position at Buffalo in 2017.

“Things haven’t gone so great since you left (the Panthers),” said Michael. “We need you back.”

The resolution listed a number of achievements in Beane’s career, including:

● Having served as assistant GM of the Carolina Panthers during its 2015 Super Bowl season.

● Having been named a Distinguished Alumnus by UNC-Wilmington.

● Having been named NFL Executive of the Year in 2020.

● Having served as GM for six playoff seasons and four AFC Eastern Division titles.

● Having been inducted into the Stanly County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

● Having received the Jack Horrigan award for best assisting NFL media in 2021.

● Having been involved in numerous charitable causes including the United Way, FeedMore WNY and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.

Comments from council members centered on the importance of Beane being a positive role model for youngsters.

“Brandon, if the question were asked, ‘What good can come out of Stanly County?’, a person would only need to look at the awesome work you’ve done in Buffalo, and that you did before that in Charlotte,” said Councilman Dexter Townsend.

“Thank you for remembering where you came from, and for coming back to see us,” added Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall.

Councilman David Hunt thanked Beane for his charitable work.

“Congratulations on your professional accomplishments, but also the work you’ve done with charity, both here and in New York,” he said.

In accepting the honor, Beane expressed his appreciation for his home county and for friends and family.

“It’s always fun to be back in Stanly County, and being here brings back lots of good memories,” he said, adding, “my success comes from where I was raised and how I was raised…it’s heartwarming to always be connected to this place, and I try to carry the values I’ve learned from all the great people here.”

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.