The Buffalo Bills were established in 1959 as one of the original teams in the American Football League (AFL). Their inaugural season was in 1960, and the team quickly found success, securing two AFL championships in the mid-1960s. Ralph Wilson Jr. was the visionary owner who founded the team and remained at its helm for over five decades, becoming a pivotal figure in professional football and the Buffalo community.
The Bills experienced a period of remarkable dominance in the early 1990s, making an unprecedented four consecutive appearances in the Super Bowl. While they were unable to capture the championship title during this era, the team, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and featuring other legendary players, etched an unforgettable mark on NFL history. Jim Kelly, known for his strong arm and "no-huddle" offense, became a symbol of the Bills' tenacity and offensive firepower.
Earlier in the team's history, running back OJ Simpson achieved phenomenal success with the Bills. He became the first NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season and earned numerous accolades, solidifying his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While his later life has been controversial, his on-field achievements with the Bills remain a significant part of the team's past.
The Buffalo Bills have cultivated a deeply devoted fanbase, enduring both periods of triumph and tribulation. Author Greg Tranter, a dedicated Bills fan and collector, has even explored the notion of a "Buffalo Sports Curse" in his work, highlighting the passionate and sometimes heartbreaking journey of Buffalo sports teams. The Bills' legacy includes their early AFL success, the unforgettable Super Bowl runs of the 1990s, and the contributions of Hall of Fame figures like Kelly and Simpson, all under the steadfast ownership of Ralph Wilson until his passing.
