Growing up in Buffalo usually means developing an affinity for chicken wings and Buffalo Bills football.

I've been gone from the city for four years, and I usually field two bonus questions from folks who ask where I'm from:

What's the best place to get chicken wings? And have you ever been slammed through a folding table?

My answers are always "Duff's," and "not yet."

Now that I'm back in Buffalo and starting my new gig as the Bills beat writer for NYUP.com and Syracuse.com, the answer to that second question might change.

I'm returning to Buffalo after four years in Las Vegas writing and doing video for UFC.com. I bring home a deeper understanding for digital media, and I hope to offer new and exciting content from a fresh perspective.

There will be videos from players, coaches, fans and myself from the stadium, other places around Western New York and on the road. There will be stories about players, the games and the massively popular #BillsMafia -- the most viral fanbase in the NFL (and maybe even in all sports).

I'm not the typical beat reporter. I've spent four years in combat sports, grew up a Bills fan and now I'm a journalist. I'm going to bring the best of all three worlds to the job with energy and passion every day.

New NYUP.com Bills beat writer Matt Parrino stands on the turf at the Bills practice facility.

Last season's historic playoff run was celebrated by Bills fans everywhere. The videos and stories that came out of that fateful final Sunday showcased to the world what the Bills mean to this city.

It's a perfect time to come home. Buffalo is booming, and the Bills finally have a true franchise quarterback candidate. Josh Allen is the highest QB draft pick in Bills franchise history. It feels different than JP Losman and EJ Manuel, doesn't it?

Allen may not take a snap this season, but Losman and Manuel never felt like the answer. Some mock drafts had Allen going first overall. I read the scouting reports like everyone else, and the concerns with accuracy and going through progressions at the college level cause a smidge of panic.

But we're about to begin the fun part. If Allen evolves into an elite NFL signal caller, he will be the first franchise quarterback the Bills have had since Jim Kelly.

I'm excited to be here -- in Buffalo and at NYUP.com. I want to meet as many fans as I can and take part in the journey with you. Let's hang out and chat, and I'll try and bring you the best Bills coverage possible.

I'm looking forward to the season, and let's start with some wings. Then we can talk about the tables.