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All-Time Teams: Buffalo Bills



Introduction

In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.


1. Each team roster will consist of the following:

Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C

Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S

Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner

Coach - 1 Head Coach


2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.


3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.


4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.


5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.


6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.


Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!


Buffalo Bills All-Time Team


Franchise Information

First Season: 1960

Record: 449-492-8 (47.72 W-L%)

Playoff Record: 17-19

Super Bowls Won: 0 (Lost in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993)

AFL Championships Won: 2 (1964 and 1965)

Passing Leader: Jim Kelly 2,874/4,779 | 35,467 Yds | 237 TD

Rushing Leader: Thurman Thomas 2,849 Att | 11,938 Yds | 65 TD

Receiving Leader: Andre Reed 941 Rec | 13,095 Yds | 86 TD

Sack Leader: Bruce Smith 171 Sk

Interception Leader: Butch Byrd 40 Int

Scoring Leader: Steve Christie 1,011 Points

Winningest Coach: Marv Levy 112-70


QB: Jim Kelly (1986-1996)

Record: 101-59 | 60.1 Cmp% | 35,467 Yds | 237 TD | 175 Int | 1,049 Rush Yds | 7 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp% 1990 (63.3%) | Led League in QB Rating 1990 (101.2) | Led League in TD 1991 (33) | 5x Pro-Bowl (87, 88, 90, 91, 92) | 1x All-Pro (91) | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 AFC Champion | Hall of Fame Class 2002


Jim Kelly is the easy choice at quarterback for the All-Time Bills. He is the franchise leader in passing yards and touchdowns and led the Bills to over 100 wins. He led the league in touchdowns, completion percentage, and quarterback rating once each. Kelly was a consistent winner and led the Bills to eight playoff appearances in 11 seasons, reaching the Super Bowl in four straight seasons from 1990-1993. Yes, the Bills lost all four Super Bowls, but this was still one of the best teams ever assembled. Reaching four straight Super Bowls has never been done any time before or after. Kelly made five Pro-Bowls, one All-Pro Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Jack Kemp (1962-1969) | Record: 43-31-3 | 46.4 Cmp% | 15,134 Yds | 77 TD | 132 Int | 780 Rush Yds | 25 Rush TD | Led League in Yds/A 1964 (8.5) | 6x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69) | 1x All-Pro (65) | 1965 AFL MVP | 1964, 1965 AFL Champion

  2. Joe Ferguson (1973-1984) | Record: 77-86 | 52.5 Cmp% | 27,590 Yds | 181 TD | 190 Int | 1,174 Rush Yds | 10 Rush TD | Led League in Yds 1977 (2,803) | Led League in TD 1975 (25)

  3. Doug Flutie (1998-2000) | Record: 21-9 | 56.3 Cmp% | 7,582 Yds | 47 TD | 30 Int | 885 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (98) | 1998 Comeback Player of the Year

  4. Josh Allen (2017-Present) | Record: 39-21 | 62.3 Cmp% | 14,114 Yds | 103 TD | 46 Int | 2,325 Rush Yds | 31 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (20)


RB: Thurman Thomas (1988-1999)

4.2 Yds/A | 11,938 Yds | 65 TD | 456 Rec | 4,341 Rec Yds | 22 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/A 1991 (4.9) | Led League in YScm 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 (1,913, 1,829, 2,038, 2,113) 5x Pro-Bowl (89, 90, 91, 92, 93) | 2x All-Pro (90, 91) | 1991 MVP | 1991 Offensive Player of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class of 2007


Thurman Thomas is one of the best all-purpose running backs to ever play the game. His 11,938 yards and 65 touchdowns are both franchise records. He led the league in yards from scrimmage for four straight seasons from 1989-1992. His best season was 1991, where he was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,407 yards and seven touchdowns and catching 62 passes for 631 yards and five touchdowns. Thomas had eight straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 1989-1996. He was named to five straight Pro-Bowls from 1989-1993, two All-Pro Teams, the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.


RB: O.J. Simpson (1969-1977)

4.8 Yds/A | 10,183 Yds | 57 TD | 175 Rec | 1,924 Rec Yds | 12 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976 (1,251, 2,003, 1,817, 1,503) | Led League in TD 1973, 1975 (12, 16) | Led League in Yds/G 1973, 1975, 1976 (143.1, 129.8, 107.4) | Led League in YScm 1973, 1975, 1976 (2,073, 2,243, 1,762) | Led League in RRTD 1975 (23) | 6x Pro-Bowl (69, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76) | 5x All-Pro (72, 73, 74, 75, 76) | 1973 MVP | 1973 Offensive Player of the Year | 1973 Bert Bell | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1985


O.J. Simpson rounds out maybe the best running back duo of all the All-Time Teams. Off the field issues aside, Simpson is one of the greatest running backs of all time. He led the league in rushing yards four different times, including an insane 1973 where he became the first back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in one season. He's the only one to do it in a 14-game season, averaging 143.1 yards a game. His 2,003 yards still ranks as the eighth most yards in a season ever. At retirement only Jim Brown had rushed for more yards in their career than "The Juice." He was a six-time Pro-Bowler, made five straight All-Pro Teams from 1972-1976, was named the 1973 MVP, named to the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Wray Carlton (1960-1967) | 4.1 Yds/A | 3,368 Yds | 29 TD | 110 Rec | 1,329 Rec Yds | 5 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/A 1962 (5.6) | Led League in TD 1965 (6) | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 66)

  2. Cookie Gilchrist (1962-1964) | 4.5 Yds/A | 3,056 Yds | 31 TD | 78 Rec | 875 Rec Yds | 4 TD | Led League in Yds 1962, 1964 (1,096, 981) | Led League in TD 1962, 1963, 1964 (13, 12, 6) | Led League in Yds/G 1962, 1964 (78.3, 70.1) | 3x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64) | 1x All-Pro (62, 64) | 1962 AFL MVP | AFL All-1960s Team

  3. Joe Cribbs (1980-1983, 1985) | 4.1 Yds/A | 4,445 Yds | 21 TD | 180 Rec | 1,783 Rec Yds | 15 Rec TD | Led League Yds/G 1982 (90.4) | 3x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 83)

  4. Fred Jackson (2007-2014) | 4.4 Yds/A | 5,646 Yds | 30 TD | 322 Rec | 2,640 Rec Yds | 7 Rec TD

  5. C.J. Spiller (2010-2014) | 5.0 Yds/A | 3,321 Yds | 12 TD | 158 Rec | 1,195 Rec Yds | 6 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (12)

  6. LeSean McCoy (2015-2018) | 4.3 Yds/A | 3,814 Yds | 25 TD | 175 Rec | 1,334 Rec Yds | 5 Rec TD | 3x Pro-Bowl (15, 16, 17) | Hall of Fame All-2010s Team


WR: Andre Reed (1985-1999)

941 Rec | 13,095 Yds | 86 TD | Led League Yds/R 1994 (13.9) | 7x Pro-Bowl (88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94) | Hall of Fame Class 2014


Andre Reed is the third member of one of the best "triplets" in NFL history, the others being Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas. Reed holds franchise records in catches, yards and touchdowns. He was a key member of the Bills four straight AFC Championship teams. Andre Reed surprised the NFL world, as he was selected from Kutztown University, a division II university in PA. He went on to seven straight Pro-Bowls from 1988-1994 and retired with the fourth most receiving yards in NFL history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.


WR: Eric Moulds (1996-2005)

675 Rec | 9,096 Yds | 48 TD | Led League in Yds/Touch 2002 (12.9) | 3x Pro-Bowl (98, 00, 02)

Eric Moulds is the next wide receiver for the All-Time Bills. Moulds ranks second in yards and touchdowns in Bills history, behind only Reed. He had over 1,000 yards in four different seasons and over 10 touchdowns once. He was voted to the Pro-Bowl three separate times and led the league in yards per touch in 2002. He was a very solid wide receiver in the post Kelly and Reed era for the Bills.

WR: Elbert Dubenion (1960-1968)

294 Rec | 5,294 Yds | 35 TD | Led League in Yds/R 1964 (27.1) | 1x Pro-Bowl (64)


Elbert Dubenion is the final member of this trio of wide receivers for the All-Time Bills. He is a lesser-known name, but he held franchise records in yards and touchdowns before Andre Reed broke them some 30 years later. He was the key receiver for the Bills two AFL Championship teams in the early 1960s and was named to the Pro-Bowl once in 1964. James Lofton was a very good receiver for the Super Bowl runs in the early 1990s, but he spent most of his career with the Packers.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Haven Moses (1968-1972) | 146 Rec | 2,641 Yds | 12 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)

  2. J.D. Hill (1971-1975) | 160 Rec | 2,631 Yds | 20 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (72)

  3. Bob Chandler (1971-1979) | 295 Rec | 3,999 Yds | 34 TD

  4. Frank Lewis (1978-1983) | 269 Rec | 4,638 Yds | 24 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (81)

  5. Jerry Butler (1979-1986) | 278 Rec | 4,301 Yds | 29 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (80)

  6. Steve Tasker (1986-1997) * | 49 Rec | 760 Yds | 9 TD | 7x Pro-Bowl (87, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95)

  7. James Lofton (1989-1992) | 151 Rec | 2,736 Yds | 21 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (91) | Hall of Fame Class 2003

  8. Lee Evans (2004-2010) | 377 Rec | 5,934 Yds | 43 TD

  9. Stefon Diggs (2020-Present) | 230 Rec | 2,760 Yds | 18 TD | Led League in Rec 2020 (127) | Led League in Yds 2020 (1,535) | 2x Pro-Bowl (20, 21) | 1x All-Pro (20)

*Steve Tasker was primarily a special team player, but still worth mentioning.


TE: Pete Metzelaars (1985-1994)

302 Rec | 2,921 Yds | 25 TD


Metzelaars was the leading tight end for those great Bills teams in the early 1990s. He never made a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro Team, but he was very productive over his 10 seasons in Buffalo. His career highs were 603 yards in 1993 and six touchdowns in 1992. He gets the edge over Warlick, even though Warlick was voted to four Pro-Bowls due to is longevity with the team and better peak seasons and receiving numbers.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Ernie Warlick (1962-1965) | 90 Rec | 1,551 Yds | 4 TD | 4x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64, 65)

  2. Paul Costa (1965-1972) | 102 Rec | 1,699 Yds | 6 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 66)


OT: Stew Barber (1961-1969)

Started 115 of 125 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 65, 66, 67) | 2x All-Pro (63, 64) | AFL All-1960s Team


Stew Barber is the first starter for the All-Time Bills offensive line. His name is rarely mentioned in Hall of Fame voting, but he was one of the best linemen in AFL history. He was a key member on the line for the Bills during their two championship runs, making five straight Pro-Bowls from 1963-1967 and two All-Pro Teams. He was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team. He deserves more consideration for the Hall of Fame.


OT: Will Wolford (1986-1992)

Started 102 of 102 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (90, 92)


This one was a hard decision. Joe Devlin and Ken Jones played in more games and seasons with the Bills, but I went with Will Wolford due to his impact on the teams that went to four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. He started all 16 games in four seasons with the Bills and was voted to the Pro-Bowl in 1990 and 1992.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Dick Hudson (1963-1967) | Started 52 of 52 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (65)

  2. Dave Foley (1972-1977) | Started 79 of 81 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (73)

  3. Joe Devlin (1976-1989) | Started 179 of 191 Games

  4. Ken Jones (1976-1986) | Started 137 of 158 Games

  5. Howard Ballard (1988-1993) | Started 80 of 96 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (92, 93)

  6. John Fina (1992-2001) | Started 131 of 148 Games

  7. Jason Peters (2004-2008) | Started 55 of 65 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (07, 08)

  8. Dion Dawkins (2017-Present) | Started 74 of 80 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (21)


OG: Billy Shaw (1961-1969)

Started 116 of 119 Games | 8x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69) | 5x All-Pro (62, 63, 64, 65, 66) | AFL All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1999


Offensive Guard is a stacked position for the Bills. Starting off with one of the best offensive guards in NFL history in Billy Shaw. He started 116 of 119 games with Buffalo, including six seasons starting and playing in every game of the season. He was voted to eight straight Pro-Bowls from 1962-1969, five straight All-Pro Teams from 1962-1966, the AFL All-1960s Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, waiting much longer than he should have. Shaw is the only player to never play a down in the NFL to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He only played in the AFL.


OG: Joe DeLamielleure (1973-1979, 1985)

Started 105 of 112 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (75, 76, 77, 78, 79) | 3x All-Pro (75, 76, 77) | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2003


The next offensive guard, and another Hall of Famer, is Joe DeLamielleure. He played in less games (as did Shaw) than McKenzie, Ritcher, and Brown, but it's hard to argue with five Pro-Bowls, three All-Pro and being voted to the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team. DeLamielleure was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003, waiting an awfully long amount of time, just like Shaw. He also started and played in every game in Buffalo with the exception of the 1985 season.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Joe O'Donnell (1964-1971) | Started 63 of 91 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (65)

  2. Reggie McKenzie (1972-1982) | Started 147 of 147 Games | 1x All-Pro (73)

  3. Jim Ritcher (1980-1993) | Started 167 of 203 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (91, 92)

  4. Ruben Brown (1995-2003) | Started 136 of 136 Games | 8x Pro-Bowl (96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03)


C: Kent Hull (1986-1996)

Started 169 of 170 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (88, 89, 90) | 2x All-Pro (90, 91)


Kent Hull will man down the center position of the All-Time Bills team. He played in 170 games with the Bills, being voted to three Pro-Bowls from 1988-1990 and the All-Pro Team in 1990 and 1991. He was a key member of the four-time AFC Champion Bills and started every game of the season in 10 of his 11 seasons.

Honorable Mentions

  1. Al Bemiller (1961-1969) | Started 123 of 126 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (65)

  2. Will Grant (1978-1985) | Started 89 of 122 Games

  3. Eric Wood (2009-2017) | Started 120 of 120 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (15)


DE: Bruce Smith (1985-1999)

2 Int | 35 FF | 14 FR | 171 Sk | 1,054 Tackles | Led League in FF 94, 96 (5, 5) | 11x Pro-Bowl (87, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98) | 8x All-Pro (87, 88, 90, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) | 1990, 1996 Defensive Player of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2009


Bruce Smith is the obvious first choice at defensive end for the All-Time Bills. He is one of the greatest pass rushers of all time. Smith had at least 10 sacks in 12 out of 15 seasons with the Bills, including a career high 19 sacks in 1990. His 171 sacks are the franchise record, and he is the NFL's all-time sack leader as well. He was named to 11 Pro-Bowls and eight All-Pro Teams. Smith was the 1990 and 1996 Defensive Player of the Year, named to both the Hall of Fame All-1980s and All-1990s Teams and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

DE: Aaron Schobel (2001-2009)

3 Int | 21 FF | 8 FR | 78 Sk | 483 Tackles | 98 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (06, 07)


After Bruce Smith, there is a pretty big drop off at defensive end for the Bills. They have a bunch of solid options to consider like Ron McDole, but I'm going with Aaron Schobel. Schobel spent nine seasons with the Bills, being named to the Pro-Bowl in 2006 and 2007. His 78 sacks are the second most in franchise history behind Smith. His best season came in 2006 where he had 14 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He's a solid end to play opposite of Smith.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Tom Day (1961-1966, 1968) | 1 Int | 1 FR | 16 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (65)

  2. Ron McDole (1963-1970) | 6 Int | 7 FR | 34 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 67) | 1x All-Pro (66) | AFL All-1960s Team

  3. Ben Williams (1976-1985) | 2 Int | 7 FR | 52 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (82)

  4. Phil Hanson (1991-2001) | 1 Int | 8 FF | 10 FR | 61.5 Sk | 634 Tackles

  5. Chris Kelsay (2003-2012) | 3 Int | 8 FF | 6 FR | 32.5 Sk | 443 Tackles | 56 TFL

  6. Mario Williams (2012-2015) | 5 FF | 2 FR | 43 Sk | 145 Tackles | 53 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (13, 14) | 1x All-Pro (14)

  7. Jerry Hughes (2013-Present) | 1 Int | 16 FF | 5 FR | 53 Sk | 350 Tackles | 74 TFL


DT: Fred Smerlas (1979-1989)

2 Int | 10 FR | 29 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 82, 83, 88) | 1x All-Pro (82)


Fred Smerlas was a great defensive tackle for the Bills for 11 seasons. He compiled 29 sacks in his career and made five Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. His best season was 1980 where he had 6.5 sacks. He has an outside shot to make it to the Hall of Fame one day and doesn't get enough consideration from voters.


DT: Tom Sestak (1962-1968)

2 Int | 2 FR | 52 Sk | Led League in Sk 1964 (15.5) | 4x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64, 65) | 3x All-Pro (63, 64, 65) | AFL All-1960s Team


The other defensive tackle for the Bills is Tom Sestak. He without a doubt deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He played seven seasons with the Bills and racked up 52 sacks, including a league leading 15.5 in 1964. He was named to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1962-1964 and three straight All-Pro Teams from 1963-1965. He was named to the AFL All-1960s Team following his career. The only thing that seems to be keeping him out of the Hall is that he played his whole career in the AFL, but I think it was made clear in the first four Super Bowls that the AFL was just as competitive as the NFL, seeing as the AFL won two of them.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Jim Dunaway (1963-1971) | 1 Int | 7 FR | 22.5 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (65, 66, 67, 68) | 1x All-Pro (66)

  2. Mike Kadish (1973-1981) | 5 FR | 30.5 Sk

  3. Ted Washington (1995-2000) | 1 Int | 3 FF | 1 FR | 19.5 Sk | 278 Tackles | 3x Pro-Bowl (97, 98, 00)

  4. Pat Williams (1997-2004) | 1 Int | 3 FF | 5 FR | 13 Sk | 378 Tackles | 53 TFL

  5. Kyle Williams (2006-2018) | 1 Int | 4 FF | 6 FR | 48.5 Sk | 609 Tackles | 103 TFL | 6x Pro-Bowl (10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18)

  6. Marcell Dareus (2011-2017) | 2 FF | 2 FR | 35 Sk | 292 Tackles | 46 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (13, 14) | 1x All-Pro (14)


LB: Mike Stratton (1962-1972)

18 Int | 2 FR | 31.5 Sk | 6x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) | 3x All-Pro (64, 65, 66) | AFL All-1960s Team


A recurring theme amongst these articles is players deserving to be in the Hall of Fame who don't garner enough attention. Well, here's another one in linebacker Mike Stratton. Stratton was the leader for the Bills defense for 11 seasons, including two championship teams in 1964 and 1965. He was voted to six straight Pro-Bowls from 1963-1968 and three straight All-Pro Teams from 1964-1966. Mike Stratton was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team. He was one of the best players of the 1960s and deserves to get a gold jacket.


LB: Cornelius Bennett (1987-1995)

6 Int | 22 FF | 19 FR | 52.5 Sk | 793 Tackles | 5x Pro-Bowl (88, 90, 91, 92, 93) | 1x All-Pro (88) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team


Cornelius Bennett has been given more consideration from Hall of Fame voters than Stratton, but still hasn't heard his name called either. Bennett was one of the leading defenders for the Bills who went to four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. He was named to five Pro-Bowls, one All-Pro Team and the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team. I expect he will one day make the Hall, but he's going to have to wait a long time.


LB: Darryl Talley (1983-1994)

11 Int | 14 FF | 12 FR | 38.5 Sk | 1,128 Tackles | 2x Pro-Bowl (90, 91)


Rounding out the linebackers is Darryl Talley. He was also a member of the early 1990s Bills. He had over 1,000 tackles and was named to the Pro-Bowl in 1990 and 1991. He had a career high six sacks in 1989 and 136 tackles in 1993. Talley, Bennett, and Stratton make a very good trio of linebackers.

Honorable Mentions

  1. John Tracey (1962-1967) | 11 Int | 2 FR | 19.5 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 66)

  2. Harry Jacobs (1963-1969) | 8 Int | 1 FR | 11 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 69)

  3. Lucius Sanford (1978-1986) | 5 Int | 8 FR | 13 Sk

  4. Shane Conlan (1987-1992) | 3 Int | 4 FF | 3 FR | 6 Sk | 545 Tackles | 3x Pro-Bowl (88, 89, 90) | 1987 Defensive Rookie of the Year

  5. Bryce Paup (1995-1997) | 2 Int | 7 FF | 2 FR | 33 Sk | 215 Tackles | Led League in Sk 1995 (17.5) | 3x Pro-Bowl (95, 96, 97) | 1x All-Pro (95)

  6. Takeo Spikes (2003-2006) | 7 Int | 7 FF | 3 FR | 7 Sk | 311 Tackles | 15 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (03, 04) | 1x All-Pro (04)


CB: Butch Byrd (1964-1970)

40 Int | 4 FR | 5x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 66, 68, 69) | 3x All-Pro (65, 66, 69) | AFL All-1960s Team


The cornerbacks for the All-Time Bills don't have the name recognition like some other players on this list, but not due to a lack of great players at the position. Starting with Butch Byrd, who has a team record 40 interceptions, was named to five Pro-Bowls, three All-Pro Teams and the AFL All-1960s Team. He doesn't get a lot of love from Hall of Fame voters either. The Bills were great during the mid-1960s and some of those guys need to get the recognition they deserve, and Byrd is no exception.


CB: Nate Odomes (1987-1993)

26 Int | 9 FF | 8 FR | 3 Sk | 360 Tackles |Led League in Int 1993 (9) | 2x Pro-Bowl (92, 93)


Nate Odomes is the other cornerback for the All-Time Bills. He was the leading cornerback for the great Bills teams of the early 1990s, which is a common theme here. He picked off 26 passes and made the Pro-Bowl in 1992 and 1993. His best season came in 1993 where he led the league in interceptions with nine.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Booker Edgerson (1962-1969) | 23 Int | 4 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (65)

  2. Robert James (1969-1974) | 9 Int | 6 FR | 3x Pro-Bowl (72, 73, 74) | 2x All-Pro (73, 74)

  3. Mario Clark (1976-1983) | 25 Int | 9 FR | 2 Sk

  4. Charles Romes (1977-1986) | 28 Int | 8 FR

  5. Nate Clements (2001-2006) | 23 Int | 12 FF | 6 FR | 1.5 Sk | 446 Tackles | 10 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (04)

  6. Stephon Gilmore (2012-2016) | 14 Int | 3 FF | 1 FR | 226 Tackles | 4 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (16)

  7. Tre’Davious White (2017-Present) | 16 Int | 5 FF | 5 FR | 3 Sk | 279 Tackles | 11 TFL | Led League in Int 2019 (6) | 2x Pro-Bowl (19, 20) | 1x All-Pro (19)


S: George Saimes (1963-1969)

22 Int | 3 FR | 9 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 66, 67, 68) | 3x All-Pro (64, 65, 67) | AFL All-1960s Team


Another position, another great player from the 1960s Bills that no one talks about. George Saimes was a great safety for the Bills during two championship runs. He was voted to five straight Pro-Bowls from 1964-1968 and three All-Pro Teams in 1964, 1965, and 1967. He was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team. Why are all of these players overlooked so much?


S: Tony Greene (1971-1979)

37 Int | 13 FR | 1 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (77) | 1x All-Pro (74)


Tony Greene is the other starter at safety for the All-Time Bills. His 37 interceptions are the second most ever in a Bills uniform. He was voted to one Pro-Bowl and one All-Pro Team in his time with the Bills. He is one of the few players on this list to not be from the either the 1960s or 1990s. He rounds out a very good secondary for Buffalo.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Tom Janik (1965-1968) | 21 Int | 2 Sk | Led League in Int 1967 (10) | 1x Pro-Bowl (67)

  2. Steve Freeman (1975-1986) | 23 Int | 8 FR | 3 Sk

  3. Henry Jones (1991-2000) | 18 Int | 15 FF | 9 FR | 5 Sk | 663 Tackles | 3 TFL | Led League in Int 1992 (8) | 1x Pro-Bowl (92) | 1x All-Pro (92)

  4. Kurt Schulz (1992-1999) | 21 Int | 4 FF | 4 FR | 322 Tackles

  5. Jarius Byrd (2009-2013) | 22 Int | 11 FF | 5 FR | 3 Sk | 356 Tackles | 13 TFL | Led League in Int 2009 (9) | 3x Pro-Bowl (09, 12, 13)


K: Rian Lindell (2003-2012)

83.3 FG% | 56 Long | 980 Points


This one might surprise some and maybe people will disagree. Rian Lindell never made a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro Team but was a very consistent and accurate kicker for 10 seasons with the Bills. Scott Norwood has a good claim, and if he wouldn't have missed the game winner in the Super Bowl, I may have chosen him. Christie is the franchise leader in points, but I'm taking Lindell's better field goal percentage on this one.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Scott Norwood (1985-1991) | 72.8 FG% | 52 Long | 670 Points | Led League in FGM 1988 (32) | Led League in Points 1988 (129) | 1x Pro-Bowl (88) | 1x All-Pro (88)

  2. Steve Christie (1992-2000) | 78.3 FG% | 59 Long | 1,011 Points | Led League in Long 1992, 1993, 1997 (54, 59, 55)


P: Brian Moorman (2001-2013)

40,370 Punt Yds | 84 Long | 43.7 Yds/Punt | Led League in Long 2002, 2009 (84, 73) | Led League in Yds/Punt 2005 (45.7) | 2x Pro-Bowl (05, 06) | 2x All-Pro (05, 06) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team


Brian Moorman isn't talked about much, probably because he's a punter, but he was one of the best punters of his era. He led the league in longest punt twice and yards per punt once. He made two Pro-Bowls, two All-Pro Teams and was named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Chris Mohr (1991-2000) | 31,220 Punt Yds | 80 Long | 40.6 Yds/Punt | Led League in Long 1996 (80)


Returner: Terrence McGee (2003-2012)

5,450 Kick Rt Yds | 5 Kick Rt TD | 26.3 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Kick Rt TD 2004 (3) | Led League in Yds/Kick Rt 2005 (30.2) | 1x Pro-Bowl (04)


Terrence McGee was a great returner for the Bills for 10 seasons. He specialized in kick returns, averaging 26.3 yards per kick return. His best season was 2004 when he returned three kicks back for a touchdown. His five return touchdowns are a franchise record.

Head Coach: Marv Levy (1986-1997)

Regular Season: 112-70 | 61.5 W-L% | Playoffs: 11-8 | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 AFC Champion | Hall of Fame Class 2001


The head coach for the All-Time Bills is Marv Levy. He is the winningest coach in Bills history with 112 wins. He led the Bills to eight winning seasons, including seven seasons with at least 10 wins. The Bills under Levy made the playoffs eight times and reached the Super Bowl four straight times from 1990-1993. Yes, they lost all four, but they're still the only team ever to go to four-straight. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. Saban won two championships with the Bills, but there were only eight teams in the AFL so I'm going with Levy.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Lou Saban (1962-1965, 1972-1976) | Regular Season: 68-45-4 | 60.1 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-2 | 1964, 1965 AFL Champion

  2. Chuck Knox (1978-1982) | Regular Season: 37-36 | 50.7 W-L% | Playoffs: 1-2

  3. Sean McDermott (2017-Present) | Regular Season: 49-32 | 60.5 W-L% | Playoffs: 3-4

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