By Darin Billy Shaw, the standout guard from Georgia Tech, faced a crucial decision early in his career after being drafted by both the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the AFL’s Buffalo Bills. Choosing the Bills allowed him to focus exclusively on the offensive line, a decision that proved historic. Shaw quickly became the backbone of Buffalo’s powerful offense, demonstrating the skill and dedication that would define his era and set the stage for championship glory in the upstart American Football League.
Football Bio
December 15, 1938, in Natchez, Mississippi, Billy Shaw, the standout guard from Georgia Tech, was born. Billy was an All-America selection in 1961 and was coveted by teams from both the NFL and the AFL in their respective drafts, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s bio on Billy Shaw.
The Dallas Cowboys picked him, but so did the AFL’s Buffalo Bills, and Billy chose to go with the Bills so that he could concentrate on playing on the offensive line. Well, his decision was a great one as he and the Bills won back-to-back AFL Championship Titles in 1964 & 1965.
He was selected to the All-AFL team five times and played in 8 All-Star games. At the Enshrinement Ceremony of 1999, Billy Shaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Billy Shaw’s professional choice to join the Buffalo Bills proved to be an invaluable investment for the franchise. His dominance on the offensive line was central to the Bills’ success, helping them secure back-to-back AFL Championship Titles in 1964 and 1965. Recognized as one of the best linemen of his time, Shaw earned five All-AFL team selections and played in eight All-Star games. His pioneering career, which spanned the formative years of the AFL, earned him the sport’s highest honor: induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1999.
- AFL Champion: Back-to-back titles with the Buffalo Bills (1964, 1965).
- All-AFL Team Selection: 5 times.
- All-Star Games: 8 appearances.
- Collegiate Honors: All-America selection (1961) at Georgia Tech.
- Draft: Selected by the Buffalo Bills (AFL) and the Dallas Cowboys (NFL).
