Tarra Matthews
Senior Manager
Yesterday’s Annual NFL Meeting began on a sad note as Buffalo Bills President Russ Brandon announced the passing of Ralph Wilson, founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills since 1959. Wilson was also the only living founder of the American Football League.
Since the creation of the Bills in 1959, Ralph Wilson has led the team through many milestones; two AFL titles (1964 and 1965), joining the NFL in 1970, and four Super Bowls from 1990 to 1994. All while being the only original team owner to keep their team in the same city. Russ Brandon spoke of Mr. Wilson’s character saying,
” … Mr. Wilson had a relentless passion, a deep love for his Buffalo Bills, the City of Buffalo and the National Football League. He also loved the Bills fans and all of the people of Western New York who embraced the Bills.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also was not short on words for the football icon either,
“Ralph Wilson was a driving force in developing pro football into America’s most popular sport. As a trusted advisor to his fellow league owners and the commissioner, Ralph always brought a principled and common-sense approach to issues. His lifelong loyalty to the game was instrumental in his richly deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are grateful for his many contributions to the NFL and offer our heartfelt sympathy to the Wilson family.”
Perhaps the best way to sum up the life of Ralph Wilson was voiced by Russ Brandon, “They don’t make them like Ralph Wilson…they just don’t.”
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