Donald Trump is getting help ahead of the New York primary from one of Buffalo’s most influential citizens.  

The NFL’s Rex Ryan, who coached the New York Jets before taking over the Buffalo Bills last year, was to introduce Trump at a rally Monday night.  

Ryan previously supported New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie before he dropped out of the presidential race in February. Ryan and Christie are long-time friends.  

Christie consulted with Ryan in 2013 before he underwent weight-loss surgery. Ryan had the surgery in 2010 and has since lost over 100 pounds.  

At a NFL owners meeting a month ago, Ryan commented on the election after Christie endorsed Trump.  

“I know Donald Trump,” he said. “I was wanting Christie to be the president, but it would be great if … no, I’m not going to get into that, but I did want Christie to be the president. That’s my lap-banded brother.”  

Ryan and his team are no strangers to Trump. Trump was a finalist to purchase the Bills in 2014 before being outbid by Terry and Kim Pegula, who paid a NFL-record breaking $1.4 billion for the franchise.  

Soon after, Trump tweeted at the Bills, “Even though I refused to pay a ridiculous price for the Buffalo Bills, I would have produced a winner. Now that won’t happen.”  

Ryan was hired as head coach in 2015.  

The Buffalo event ahead of Tuesday’s primary was scheduled for an indoor arena, and Trump’s New York campaign co-chairman said last week it could draw a bigger crowd.  

“I think we could fill Ralph Wilson Stadium, which is 80,000,” Rep. Chris Collins, R.-N.Y., said.  

That’s where the Bills play.  

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