Bills Owner Ralph Wilson Dies at 95

Ralph Wilson, the owner of the Buffalo Bills, has passed away at the age of 95. Tuesday at the NFL Owner Meetings, CEO/President Russ Brandon announced that he had passed.

Wilsonwas one of the original co-founders of the American Football League (AFL), was a former President of the AFL, and played a significant role in the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

The longest tenured owner in the NFL, he watched his team win two AFL titles in 1964 and 1965, and also reach four straight Super Bowls between 1990-1994.

A World War II veteran, Wilson was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2009, in the class with Randall McDaniel, Bob Hayes, Rod Woodson, Derrick Thomas, and Bruce Smith.

This news comes at an unfortunate time, with former Quarterback who played for the Bills during their four straight Super Bowl appearances, Jim Kelly, who will undergo surgery as he battles against cancer.

There has been a heavy outpour of emotion for the Bills today from many people throughout the NFL, as they’ve learned the tragic news of their Hall of Fame Quarterback, and Owner.

Notable for being a pioneer for the sport of football, especially in Upstate andWestern New York, Ralph Wilson Jr. exemplified quality character for one of the most successful franchises, and facilitation of the NFL in all.

After purchasing the Bills for $25,000 in 1959, Forbes estimates the Buffalo Bills are worth $870 million.