Ralph Wilson grew up in Detroit, attended the University of Virginia and the University of Michigan Law School and then took over his father's succesful insurance business before acquiring a number of other business interests, including radio stations and a minority position in the NFL's Detroit Lions. In 1959, he jumped at the opportunity to join Lamar Hunt's new professional football league, the AFL, and, with an initial $25,000 investment, Wilson has been the only owner that the Buffalo Bills have ever had as they now enter their 50th season. The current value of the franchise is probably in the range of $800 million. At age 90, he is the oldest NFL owner. Ralph Wilson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday August 8th.
Joining Mr. Wilson in this years Hall of Fame class was Norfolk, Virginia native and Bills star defensive end for 15 seasons, Bruce Smith. After finishing 2-14 in 1984 to earn the first pick overall in the 1985 draft, Buffalo picked Smith from Virginia Tech and he played a key role in leading the 1990's most dominant team to 4 consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Smith became the Bills all time sack leader by 1989 and is considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
After Saturday's ceremonies and speeches, the NFL season kicked off with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton between the Bills and the Tennessee Titans. Buffalo lost the game 21-18. Bills fans had to tune in early if they wanted to see the first stringers play. Trent Edwards completed 2 passes to Terrell Owens but both saw only one offensive series. The Titans scored the game's opening points on a trick fake punt play which resulted in a touchdown run by the punter.
This was the first of 5 pre-season games for Buffalo who will face Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears this Saturday in Orchard Park. Arrive early if you want to see Cutler, TO or any of the first team players from either team.
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