Ralph Wilson, Jr, founder of the Buffalo Bills, Pro Football Hall of Famer and World War II veteran, has passed away at the age of 95.
Wilson, who has owned the Bills since their inaugural season in 1960, oversaw a series of ups and downs with his franchise, including a superlative run in the 1990s that saw his team play in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1991-1994.
The Bills also won two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965.
Wilson lived in Grosse Pointe Shores, maintaining his lifelong ties to the metro Detroit area. He was born in Detroit in 1918.
He was active with the Bills organization through January 1, 2013, when he retired as president, relinquishing responsibility to Russ Brandon, who has overseen the day-to-day operations of the Bills since.
Brandon confirmed the news when he announced Wilson's passing at the NFL owners meeting currently being held in Orlando, Florida.
Wilson attended the University of Virginia and served in the US Navy during World War II.
In the 1950s, Wilson was a minority owner of the Detroit Lions, but eagerly pursued an opportunity to own a franchise in the American Football League, which debuted in 1960. After failing to land a franchise in Miami, he committed to the Buffalo market.
Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr dead at 95 - WXYZ.com
Wilson, who has owned the Bills since their inaugural season in 1960, oversaw a series of ups and downs with his franchise, including a superlative run in the 1990s that saw his team play in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1991-1994.
The Bills also won two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965.
Wilson lived in Grosse Pointe Shores, maintaining his lifelong ties to the metro Detroit area. He was born in Detroit in 1918.
He was active with the Bills organization through January 1, 2013, when he retired as president, relinquishing responsibility to Russ Brandon, who has overseen the day-to-day operations of the Bills since.
Brandon confirmed the news when he announced Wilson's passing at the NFL owners meeting currently being held in Orlando, Florida.
Wilson attended the University of Virginia and served in the US Navy during World War II.
In the 1950s, Wilson was a minority owner of the Detroit Lions, but eagerly pursued an opportunity to own a franchise in the American Football League, which debuted in 1960. After failing to land a franchise in Miami, he committed to the Buffalo market.
Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr dead at 95 - WXYZ.com