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Retired Jersey Numbers of the Buffalo Bills

Football By Numbers | Retired Jersey Numbers of the Buffalo Bills

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Football by Numbers

The Gridiron is a game of numbers. The numerals that the game of football provides tell their own story. Whether it be yardage, consecutive counts, or just the plain old digits on the players uniform the numerals mean something to our game's history.

Remembering and even retiring jersey numbers of legendary gridiron athletes isn't just a symbolic gesture; it's a tangible reminder of the sport's rich history. These representational numbers function like pedestals in a hall of fame, permanently etching the names and accomplishments of these greats into the very fabric of the team. Every time a fan sees a retired number on the sideline, it sparks a memory of the player who wore it with distinction, their highlights flashing before the eyes. This tradition serves as a bridge between generations of fans, ensuring that the legends of Walter Payton or Johnny Unitas are carried forward, inspiring future players and keeping the flames of football history burning bright. Join us we go through the game one digit at a time.


Retired Jersey Numbers of the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have a relatively small but highly revered group of retired jersey numbers.

This exclusive honor is reserved for players who have made indelible marks on the franchise. Jim Kelly, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, has his number 12 retired. Thurman Thomas, the dynamic running back who was a cornerstone of those same Super Bowl teams, is honored with the retired number 34. Finally, the dominant defensive end Bruce Smith, whose relentless pursuit of quarterbacks defined an era, has his number 78 retired. These three numbers are synonymous with Bills history and are a testament to the greatness of these players.

Here are the Numbers that the Bills Franchise no longer issues in respect for the players that made them famous:

-Jersey Number 12
Jim Kelly

-Jersey Number 34
Thurmon Thomas

-Jersey Number 78
Bruce Smith

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What are some of the most unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were once a fad. Check out this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

-Who are some of the most famous NFL players at each jersey number? From Red Grange's jersey number 77 to Tom Brady's iconic number 12, several NFL players made their digits proud. Want to know more? You are in the right place, as we covered all 100 jersey numbers, and the best way to wear each is About Football By Numbers.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
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If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

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