ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — LeSean McCoy's just 39 yards away from becoming the 30th player in NFL history to rush for over 10,000 — a milestone out of Shady's sights 130 games ago.

"I remember just [being] 20-years-old, getting into the NFL, being around guys like Brian Westbrook, Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, I was happy to be there," McCoy said. "Then as I got better and things kept going well for me, I started feeling like ‘hey, I can be good in this league’ and maybe someday, guys can be coming into the NFL talking about me like I talked about them guys.'"

Nine years later, they are.

 "He’s a special talent, and it doesn’t take just me to say that," Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor said. "I believe everyone on this team believes that. You guys believe that. Across the league he’s very well respected and rightfully so. Every time he’s had an opportunity to go out there and play ball, he’s done it at a high level.​"

"He’s a guy that has you on pins and needles every time he has the ball in his hands, as an opponent, because he can be at anywhere at any time," Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. "That’s all a huge reason why I signed here, being able to play alongside of him [and] what he brings to the team. He’s just a special talent, great dude, great teammate. I cheer for him​."

And for McCoy, being a part of illustrious company means he's cemented his legacy well after he hangs them up.

 "That’s one thing that, when I leave this game, I want my name to be recognized with a lot of the other top backs," McCoy said. "I think it’s really important to be a top back in your era, in your time. When you’re retired, you have kids, you have nephews , and grandchildren, you can tell them that.​ Then also, a lot of retired players be hanging out in off seasons, you can bring it up, you can talk about it. You do all these things on the field more than just the income part of it."

However, Shady doesn't want to stop at 10K, with 12,000 yards his ultimate goal. Only 16 players have done that and 13 of which are currently in the Hall of Fame.

If McCoy hits that mark, he'd be right behind Bills legend Thurman Thomas, who McCoy's gotten feedback from ever since coming to Buffalo.