Wednesday, 04 December 2024

Ralph Wilson

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Football Owner
Statistics: 2 AFL Championships (1964 & 1965)
Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Member of the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
Ralph Wilson was a minority owner of the Detroit Lions, but he longed to be the sole owner of his own team. When Lamar Hunt spearheaded the creation of the American Football League, Wilson had his opportunity when he became the first owner of the Buffalo Bills.

In the AFL, Wilson’s Bills won two AFL titles, and after the NFL/AFL merger, Buffalo would again have a run of success by winning four straight AFC championships. Wilson could be tight with a dollar, but he kept the team in Buffalo and was one of the most respected owners in football.

We are proud to nominate Ralph Wilson for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.