Established
1960
City
Buffalo
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
1960 - Present / Buffalo Bills
Nickname
Bills - The Buffalo Bills have been an iconic NFL team since its inception in 1960. Over the years, they've earned a loyal fanbase and become one of the most recognizable franchises in professional sports. But did you know that the Bills' nickname has a rich history? Let's take a look at how this beloved moniker came to be.
It all started when original owner Ralph Wilson Jr., from Michigan, decided on “Bills” as his team’s name in 1959 — two years before they joined the NFL! He chose it because of its connection to western New York state; specifically, he wanted to honor James F. "Buffalo" Johnson (a local legend) and William "Big Bill" Tatem (an early settler). The idea resonated with fans immediately and remains popular today!
Buffalo Bills Origin
In addition to paying tribute to these historical figures, there are other theories about why Wilson chose “Bills." Some believe it was simply due to its alliterative appeal or nod towards buffalo-style wings — which were popularized by Anchor Bar near downtown Buffalo during that period. Others think he used this spelling instead of “Bulls” or “Buffaloes” for marketing purposes. After all, having only four letters makes it easier for people to remember! Whatever his motivation may have been, we can certainly agree on one thing: choosing such an enduring nickname is worth celebrating!
No matter where your loyalties lie when watching football games each Sunday afternoon, you can't help but appreciate how particular this franchise truly is - especially considering the unique origin story behind their beloved moniker 'the Bills.' So next time you're cheering them on, make sure not to forget where they got their start...it just might surprise you what else lies beneath those blue-and-red jerseys!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
AFL Championships 2
1965, 1964
Stadium
2021 - Present / Highmark Stadium
2020 - 2020 / Bills Stadium
2016 - 2020 / New Era Field
1999 - 2016 / Ralph Wilson Stadium
1973 - 1998 / Rich Stadium
1960 - 1972 / War Memorial Stadium
Owner
2014 - Present / Terry and Kim Pegula
2014 / Estate of Ralph Wilson
1960 - 2014 / Ralph Wilson
- 1960
- 1970
- 1970
- 1973
- 1990 - 1993
- 2014
-
Buffalo Bills Team Formation
The Buffalo Bills were a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. After a public contest, the team adopted the same name as the AAFC Buffalo Bills, the former All-America Football Conference team in Buffalo. The AAFC Bills franchise was named after the Buffalo Bills a popular barbershop quartet, whose name was a play on the name ... -
Drafting O.J. Simpson
Simpson was drafted by the AFL’s Buffalo Bills, who got the first pick in the 1969 AFL-NFL Common Draft after finishing 1–12–1 in 1968. Before the 1969 season, the Bills drafted running back O. J. Simpson, who would become the face of the franchise through the 1970s. The NFL-AFL merger placed Buffalo in the AFC East division with the Patriots, ... -
NFL-AFL Merger
The NFL-AFL merger placed Buffalo in the AFC East division with the Patriots, Dolphins, Jets, and Colts. Their first season in the NFL saw the team win only three games, lose ten, and tie one. In 1971, not only did the Bills finish in sole possession of the NFL’s worst overall record at 1–13, but they also scored the fewest ... -
Rich Stadium Opens
War Memorial Stadium was in severe need of replacement, being in poor condition and too small to meet the NFL’s post-1969 requirement that all stadiums seat at least 50,000. Construction began on a new stadium in the suburbs after Ralph Wilson threatened to move the team to another city; at one point after the 1970 season, Wilson was “prepared to ... -
The Bills’ Super Bowl Agony – 4 Losses in a Row (1990-1993)
From 1990 to 1993, the Bills’ Super Bowl appearances became a notable chapter in NFL history, but not for the reasons they had hoped. Despite showcasing remarkable talent and determination, the Buffalo Bills faced an unprecedented series of four consecutive Super Bowl losses. This period, often referred to as the Bills’ Super Bowl agony, remains a poignant reminder of both ... -
Wilson Pass the Torch
Owner Ralph Wilson died March 25, 2014, at the age of 95. Wilson’s assets, including the team, were placed into a trust governed by four members: Wilson’s widow, Mary Wilson; his niece, Mary Owen; Jeff Littman, the Bills’ chief financial officer; and Eugene Driker, an attorney. The trust sold the team to Buffalo Sabres owner Terrence Pegula, along with his ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Buffalo Bills History
The Buffalo Bills history is filled with memorable moments and legendary players like Jim Kelly, one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Based in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls region, the Bills compete in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the AFC East. They play home games at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. The team is also remembered for winning four straight conference titles and reaching four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993.
The Buffalo Bills origin goes back more than fifty years. The team was founded by Ralph Wilson Jr., who remained the owner until his passing in 2014 at the age of 95. That tenure made him one of the longest-serving owners in professional sports. Over the years, the franchise experienced both highs and lows. With coach Lou Saban delivering the first winning season and Jim Kelly’s famous “K-Gun offense” leading multiple Super Bowl runs, the Buffalo Bills history is filled with resilience and unforgettable moments, even without a championship victory.
Buffalo Bills Achievements
In more recent times, challenges have tested the franchise. The Bills struggled to reach the playoffs or even finish above .500, leading to frustration among fans. Management decisions and frequent rebuilds only added to that disappointment. Still, no matter how tough the years have been, the loyalty of Bills fans has never wavered. Come game day, “Bills Mafia” continues to prove why the Buffalo Bills history stands out as one of determination, pride, and unshakable support.
The Buffalo Bills history includes remarkable achievements that highlight the team’s impact in the NFL. From the Buffalo Bills origin in 1960, they built a strong reputation with four straight AFC Championships from 1990 to 1993. Led by stars like Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Bruce Smith, the Bills showcased talent, resilience, and an unforgettable legacy in professional football.
Sports Fan Products
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Retired Number
12 / Jim Kelly
34 / Thurman Thomas
78 / Bruce Smith
*Blue is this team’s history
