Archives for March 2014

‘”He used to call me his favorite son, and we used to always laugh and joke about that,” said Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas. “When you have that type of relationship, it hits home. I was very close to Mr. Wilson. It hurts.”‘

‘”Our community would not be the same without the Buffalo Bills. It is some ways the glue that binds us together as Buffalonians and western New Yorkers and we have Mr. Wilson to thank for this.” he added.’

‘In fact, the trust is likely to control and manage the team for at least a couple of years before any sale of the team is arranged, both team and National Football League sources tell The News.’

‘”I’m sitting in the locker room (before the game) and this gentleman walked up, coat and tie, trench coat,” Tasker explained. “‘Hey Steve, I’m Ralph Wilson, welcome aboard, I hope it goes really well for you. I had to go over to Ed (Abramoski, the trainer) and I said, ‘Who’s Ralph Wilson?’ He said, ‘He’s the owner of the team.’ From that moment on I knew it was going to be different in Buffalo.”‘

‘Voted by The Buffalo News as western New York’s “Top Sports Figure” in the past millennium, and described once by a writer as the “conscience of the NFL,” Wilson leaves behind a legacy nearly unrivaled in professional sports franchise ownership.’

‘”The first time I met him he said, ‘Call me Ralph,’ ” Shah said. “I still call him Mr. Wilson.”‘

‘Moulds called him a “father figure.” That sentiment echoes over five decades worth of players.’

‘His decisions were not always popular or at least unanimously welcomed. Yet he always seemed to emerge ahead. His body may have slowed down in his later years but his mind remained tuned.’

‘”I wish him God speed wherever he is,” Kudela said. “Who knows if the franchise can stick it out here without him. I think the people here can support the team if it can stick it out here, but we’ll see.”‘

‘”Thank you for bringing the team here,” I told Mr. Wilson. “No,” he replied. “Thank you, Rick, for being a fan.”‘

‘Why didn’t Ralph do something to prevent it? Why didn’t he announce a succession plan? Why couldn’t he cement his legacy as Buffalo’s greatest sportsman and a true civic icon by doing something – doing anything – to ensure his beloved team would stay ours after he left it?’

‘”Unfortunately, in five years, I can see them no longer being here. I hope they find someone to keep them here,” said Denis Fountain, who had stopped in at East Avenue Tavern on Oliver Street in North Tonawanda Tuesday evening. “They were one of the original AFL teams. They really drive the economy. If they leave I think people will be disappointed in a big way.”‘

‘Now, with Mr. Wilson gone, it’s time for all the stakeholders to pay a fitting tribute to his legacy. State and county leaders, the NFL, the Bills front office along with those who will be tasked with overseeing the estate owe it to the late owner to show the same loyalty he did.’