Bills Owner Ralph Wilson has died at age 95, team President & CEO Russ Brandon announced today. Wilson founded the team and was the "most influential sports figure Western New York has ever known." He "brought major-league sports to Buffalo in 1959, when he joined a group" of team owners, led by the late Lamar Hunt, that founded the AFL (BUFFALONEWS.com, 3/25).
Reaction to Wilson’s death was plentiful on social media. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg: “Between Jim Kelly's battle and the passing of Ralph Wilson, rough time in Buffalo. Only good thoughts to families, friends and fans.” Kelly’s wife Jill wrote, “Oh my goodness! Our hearts are broken. #RalphWilson The entire #BuffaloBills community mourns! LORD heal. Please heal our team community!” The National Post’s Bruce Arthur: “Ralph Wilson was an old-school owner. Toronto was a misadventure, but he kept faith with Buffalo, right to the end.” ESPN’s Mike Tirico: “Condolences to family and friends of Ralph Wilson. Pioneer, visionary, true hall of famer. Loyal to western NY. A great man.” The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain: “Ralph Wilson, a humble, first-class act who was unselfish to the end. He'll be missed by many, but his NFL legacy is complete.” NFL.com’s Judy Battista: “This is a day Buffalo has dreaded: with Wilson's passing come lots of questions about the future of the Bills in Buffalo when team is sold.”
