The Buffalo Bills’ new stadium has dominated headlines in recent weeks, rightfully so given the magnitude of the 10-digit investment across the road from the team’s prior home the last 53 seasons. With the stadium almost ready for primetime later this summer and the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in the rearview mirror, many have wondered how the team would go about honoring former Bills greats.
In the old Highmark Stadium, the Wall of Fame served as prime real estate for 30 legendary Bills players
and key franchise personnel who accomplished some of the greatest feats in NFL history, in addition to honoring “The 12th Man.” Among those names was of course the franchise’s first Wall of Fame honoree, NFL Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson — but whose name will not be included in the newly built stadium.
The question now becomes who among those remaining honorees will have their name included in the new stadium’s field-side walls. A post shared by Matt Bové of WKBW reveals four NFL Hall of Fame names: Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Jim Kelly, and founding owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Bové states that “there will be far fewer names prominently featured out here in the bowl,” but points out that “other notable players will get recognition” in other areas of the new stadium grounds.
The decision not to include the late Simpson has been rife with debate thanks to his downfall and incarceration later in life, but the franchise has made it clear that it’s a new day inside the brand-new field at One Bills Drive.
Who else among so many storied greats do you envision the Bills including and along the new wall of fame?
