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A History of the Buffalo Bills

by Ronald D. Spieker on April 15, 2023

A History of the Buffalo Bills

Founding the Bills The O.J. Simpson Era The Marv Levy Era The Post-Levy Years The Bills Legends The Memorable Games and Moments Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in Buffalo, New York. The group was founded in 1959 as a member of the American Football League (AFL) and joined the National Football League (NFL) as part of the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Over the years, the Bills have had their share of highs and lows, but they have consistently been one of the most beloved and dedicated teams in the NFL. This article will explore the history of the Buffalo Bills, including their founding, notable players and coaches, and critical moments in the team's history. 

Founding the Bills

The Buffalo Bills were founded in 1959 as an American Football League (AFL) charter member. The team was established by Ralph C. Wilson Jr., a businessman from Detroit, who originally had an interest in purchasing an NFL team but could not. Wilson then turned his attention to the fledgling AFL and was awarded a Buffalo, New York, franchise. The team's name was selected through a fan contest, and the winning entry was submitted by James F. Dyson, a resident who suggested the name "Bills" in honor of Buffalo Bill Cody. 


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The Bills played their first game on September 11, 1960, against the Titans of New York (now the Jets) at the Polo Grounds in New York City. The Bills lost the game 27-3, but the team's inaugural season showed some promise, finishing with a 5-8-1 record. The Bills' home field was War Memorial Stadium, located in Buffalo, with a seating capacity of 46,500.


The Bills struggled in their early years, failing to make the playoffs in their first six seasons. However, the team improved in the mid-1960s under head coach Lou Saban. In 1964, the Bills won their first AFL championship, defeating the San Diego Chargers 20-7 in the title game. The following year, the Bills won their second straight AFL championship, defeating the Chargers again by a score of 23-0.


The Bills continued to field competitive teams throughout the 1960s, but the group began to decline in the early 1970s. The AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, and the Bills became part of the new American Football Conference (AFC). In their first season in the combined league, the Bills finished with a 3-10-1 record, their worst record until the 1980s.


Despite the team's struggles on the field, the Bills remained a beloved and essential part of the Buffalo community. The team's fans, known as the "Bills Mafia," are known for their passionate support of the team and their elaborate tailgating traditions. Today, the Buffalo Bills remain a vital part of the NFL, and the team's legacy continues to inspire fans nationwide.



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The O.J. Simpson Era


The O.J. Simpson era is considered one of the most memorable periods in Buffalo Bill's history. Simpson was drafted by the Bills in 1969 and became one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. During his time with the Bills, Simpson was one of the greatest running backs, breaking numerous records and earning induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.


Simpson's first few seasons with the Bills were solid but could have been more spectacular. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1972 and 1973, but the team struggled to a 4-9-1 record in both seasons. However, in 1974, everything changed. Simpson rushed for a then-record 2,003 yards, becoming the first player to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a single season. He was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player and led the Bills to their first playoff appearance since 1966.


The following year, Simpson led the NFL in rushing again, and the Bills won the AFC East division with a 9-5 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders in the conference championship game.


Simpson remained a dominant force for the Bills throughout the late 1970s. In 1976, he rushed for a career-high 1,503 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time. The Bills struggled to a 3-11 record that season, but Simpson's performance was once again outstanding.


Simpson's time with the Bills ended in 1978 when he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He played two seasons with the 49ers before retiring from the NFL in 1979.


Despite his later legal troubles, Simpson's legacy as a player remains secure. He rushed for over 11,000 yards in his career, scored 61 touchdowns, and was named to six Pro Bowls. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time, and his impact on the Buffalo Bills and the NFL cannot be overstated.



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The Marv Levy Era

Marv Levy is among the most successful coaches in the Buffalo Bills' history. He was hired by the team in 1986 and led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990-1993, a feat that has yet to be matched by any other NFL team.


Levy had a long and successful coaching career before he joined the Bills. He had previously coached for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League and had stints as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Bears in the NFL.


Levy's tenure with the Bills got off to a rocky start. In his first season as head coach, the team finished with a 4-12 record. However, Levy quickly turned things around. In 1988, the Bills finished with a 12-4 record and made the playoffs for the first time in eight years. They lost in the divisional round to the Cincinnati Bengals, but the team's future looked bright.


The Bills continued to improve under Levy's leadership. In 1990, the team won the AFC East division with a 13-3 record and advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. They lost to the New York Giants in a thrilling game that came down to the final moments.


The Bills would make three more Super Bowl appearances in the next three years, but unfortunately, they lost all of them. Despite the disappointing finishes, the team's dominance in the AFC during this era is undeniable. The Bills were led by several standout players, including quarterback Jim Kelly, running back Thurman Thomas, and defensive end Bruce Smith, who has since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.


Levy retired from coaching after the 1997 season, but his impact on the Bills and the NFL cannot be overstated. He finished his coaching career with a 143-112, including a 12-11 record in the playoffs. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.



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The Post-Levy Years


After Marv Levy retired following the 1997 season, the Buffalo Bills went through a transition period. The team struggled to maintain its success in the years following Levy's departure, going through several coaches and quarterbacks with mixed results.


The Bills made the playoffs in 1998 under head coach Wade Phillips, but they were eliminated in the wild card round by the Miami Dolphins. The team's success could have been better, as they finished the next two seasons with losing records and missed the playoffs both years.


In 2001, the Bills hired Gregg Williams as head coach, and the team began to show signs of improvement. In 2002, they finished with an 8-8 record, their first non-losing season since 1999. The team's defense was solid that year, led by standout players like defensive end Aaron Schobel and linebacker London Fletcher.


The Bills continued to improve in the following years but could not make the playoffs. They finished with winning records in 2004 and 2005 but missed the postseason. In 2006, the team's fortunes took a turn for the worse. They finished with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.


The Bills struggled in the following years, going through some coaches and quarterbacks without finding sustained success. In 2017, the team made the playoffs for the first time in 17 years under head coach Sean McDermott. The team's success was mainly due to a dominant defense led by players like cornerback Tre'Davious White and linebacker Lorenzo Alexander.


Despite their lack of success on the field, the Buffalo Bills remain a beloved and essential part of the Buffalo community. The team's passionate fan base, known as the "Bills Mafia," is known for its support of the team and its elaborate tailgating traditions. The Bills remain one of the most dedicated and loyal franchises in the NFL, and their legacy as a team with a passionate and devoted fan base is secure.



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The Bills Legends

The Buffalo Bills have a rich history of standout players who have become legends in Buffalo and the NFL. Here are some of the most notable Bills legends:


Jim Kelly - Kelly is one of the most beloved and iconic players in Bills' history. He played for the team from 1986 to 1996, leading them to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993. Kelly was known for his toughness and leadership on the field, and his impact on the Bills organization cannot be overstated.


Thurman Thomas - Thomas played for the Bills from 1988-1999 and was one of his era's most dominant running backs. He was vital to the Bills' success in the early 1990s, rushing for over 1,000 yards in eight consecutive seasons and being named to the Pro Bowl five times.


Bruce Smith - Smith is widely regarded as one of the most excellent defensive ends in NFL history. He played for the Bills from 1985 to 1999 and was vital to the team's dominant defenses in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Smith was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year twice and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.


Andre Reed - Reed played wide receiver for the Bills from 1985-1999 and was vital to the team's success in the early 1990s. He was known for his toughness and ability to make big plays in crucial situations. Reed was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.


O.J. Simpson - Despite his later legal troubles, Simpson's impact on the Bills organization cannot be denied. He played for the team from 1969-1977 and established himself as one of the greatest running backs ever. Simpson rushed for over 11,000 yards in his career and was named to six Pro Bowls.


Jack Kemp - Kemp was a quarterback for the Bills from 1962-1969 and was a vital part of the team's success in the mid-1960s. He was known for his leadership on and off the field, and his impact on the Bills organization extended beyond his playing days. After retiring from football, Kemp had a successful political career, serving as a congressman and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush.



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The Memorable Games and Moments


The Buffalo Bills have had many memorable games and moments throughout their history. Here are some of the most notable:


The Comeback - In the 1992 playoffs, the Bills trailed the Houston Oilers 35-3 early in the third quarter. Quarterback Frank Reich led the team on an improbable comeback, throwing four touchdown passes to tie the game and force overtime. The Bills won the game 41-38 on a Steve Christie field goal, and the comeback is regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history.


Wide Right - In Super Bowl XXV, the Bills had a chance to win the game on a field goal attempt by kicker Scott Norwood. However, Norwood's kick sailed wide right, and the Bills lost to the New York Giants by 20-19. The game is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the Bills' history.


The Music City Miracle - In the 1999 playoffs, the Bills led the Tennessee Titans 16-15 with just seconds remaining. The Titans returned a kickoff for a touchdown on a play called the Music City Miracle, and the Bills lost the game 22-16. The space is still controversial among Bills fans, as many believe it was an illegal forward lateral.


Four Straight Super Bowls - From 1990-1993, the Bills became the first team in NFL history to make four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. While the team could not win any of those Super Bowls, the feat is still impressive and speaks to the Bills' dominance during that era.


Kelly's 4 Touchdowns - In a 1991 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Jim Kelly threw for four touchdowns in a thrilling 34-31 victory. The game is remembered as one of Kelly's finest moments and was vital to the Bills' success that season.



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Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills have a rich and storied history of over 60 years. From the team's early days in the AFL to their dominance in the early 1990s under Marv Levy, the Bills have been a fixture in the NFL landscape for decades.


Despite their lack of success in recent years, the Bills remain one of the NFL's most passionate and dedicated fan bases. The team's ardent supporters, known as the Bills Mafia, are known for their loyalty and dedication to the team.


The Bills have produced many notable players and coaches, including Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, and Marv Levy. These legends have helped to shape the team's identity and have made the Bills one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.


While the Bills have faced their share of struggles over the years, the team's legacy is secure. The Bills remain an essential part of the Buffalo community, and their passionate fan base ensures that the team will continue to be a beloved part of the NFL landscape for years to come.



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FAQs

Why are Buffalo Bills called Bills?

The Buffalo Bills were named after western frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody. The team's original owner, Ralph Wilson, wanted a name that would be unique and representative of the region. He settled on the word "Buffalo Bills" after being inspired by the famous showman and buffalo hunter. The team's logo features a charging buffalo, further emphasizing their connection to the city of Buffalo and the western frontier. The Buffalo Bills have embraced their unique name and become synonymous with the city of Buffalo and the NFL.

How many times has the Buffalo Bills won the Super Bowl?

The Buffalo Bills have yet to win a Super Bowl. They made four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990-1993 but lost all four games. Despite their lack of Super Bowl victories, the Bills remain a beloved and essential part of the NFL, and their passionate fan base, known as the "Bills Mafia," continues to support the team through thick and thin.

Have the Buffalo Bills won a Super Bowl?

No, the Buffalo Bills have never won a Super Bowl. They made four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990-1993 but lost all four games. Despite this, the Bills remain an essential and beloved part of the NFL and have a passionate fan base that continues to support the team through the highs and the lows.

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Ronald D. Spieker

Ronald D. Spieker is a dedicated sports blogger who has been a football fan since birth. With 7 years of experience in sports blogging, Ronald has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate commentator on all things football. He is known for his engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics in a way that is accessible to fans of all levels. Whether it's analyzing the latest game stats, delving into team strategies, or discussing the latest news from around the league, Ronald is always on top of the latest developments in football. His love for the sport shines through in every article he writes, and his readers appreciate his in-depth knowledge and insightful commentary. 

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