Perhaps the final member of those great Bills’ teams in the early 90’s will have his name etched into the wall surrounding in the inner portion of Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bruce Smith will join former teammates Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Kent Hull, Jim Ritcher, Steve Tasker and Darryl Talley on the Bills’ “Wall of Fame” this upcoming season.
It was really more a question of when than if, but the when has now been identified as the September 21st game against Oakland. Smith is the all-time NFL leader in sacks, and talleyed 171 of them while playing in Buffalo.
While Smith will undoubtedly be headed to the Hall, I truly believe that this is a moment he will cherish for the remainder of his days. Those Bills’ teams were so tight-knit, I believe becoming one with many of them in Buffalo sport’s immortality is an honor that carries with it more prestige than many may give it credit for. For me, it will be a somewhat sad affair, as it could put the cap on those great teams that helped put Buffalo on the sport’s map.
If Smith is not the capper on this era, who else do you Bills’ fans think may be deserving of this award? Those who come to mind as bubble WOF’ers for me are Nate Odomes, Cornelius Bennett and a long shot in Howard Ballard.
Your thoughts?
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Tags: Bills, Bruce Smith, Buffalo
5 Responses to “Bruce Smith Becomes Latest Addition to “Wall of Fame””
Posted: 05/12/08 at 4:13 am
this is well deserved for smith. ashame he didnt get to play his entire career there.
Posted: 05/12/08 at 4:52 am
I’m surprised it took this long to be honest. This is a well deserved accolade.
Posted: 05/12/08 at 8:02 am
Ditto guys! Well deserved.
Seeing him finish in a Skins uni was not right!
Posted: 05/12/08 at 8:34 am
I wish I could tell you all the inner-workings of how the Bills run things in regards to the “Wall”, but it is possible that he was only first eligible this year. If not, I totally agree, it did take a long time.
Posted: 05/12/08 at 8:35 am
Just like James, it is still hard to picture him in another uniform, but I think his price tag became too high, and the Bills were ready to go with Wiley at the time.