USABuffaloFan Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I have always liked Ralph Wilson. He has kept his promise of keeping the Bills in Western NY. Business has always been tougher here then some of the top markets. The excuses have been Buffalo is a small market, nothing to do, too cold, too much snow, can't afford big ticket freeagents. It has gotten much worse the past 10 years and now we have a bigger issue. No coach with any experience head coaching in the NFL that has been successful wants to coach the Buffalo Bills! Problem is everybody knows Ralph Wilson probably won't make it to the end of any contract signed. With no guarentees or information as to what happens to the Buffalo Bills franchise on Ralph's departure from mortality, we are left with a franchise in limbo!!! Even as a fan, I find myself after 10 years of not really competing on a high level, pulling away alittle farther every year. I use to have season tickets for 12 years from 86 to 97. After I usually bought 1-2 games a year after I moved away. This year was the first time since 83' that I didn't go to at least 1 game. I actually stopped watching the Bills on Sunday till Jauron got fired. The point is if Bills fans are waving in support because of Ralph's status and control then how can we expect someone with credentials to buy into the Bills branding. If Ralph doesn't change this culture by making some drastic changes in ownership for the future now, he stands to lose more support before the 2010 season even starts. This is a very critical year before the potential lockout. Ralph doesn't sound good when he is interviewed, very labored breathing. He may not be around if and when a lockout occurs, he may never see a NFL football game after this year again. Please Ralph, find a way to put in trust this franchise. Leave family members and lawyers in charge receiving paychecks. Take a loan out for any taxes or bonuses owed. Eventually leave Buffalo Bills trust to the City of Buffalo and offer public stocks to keep franchise viable. Sell stock when cash is needed over monies coming in. There are ways to make this work for Your family, you and the fans of Buffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apuszczalowski Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Do you realise that the NFL also has to accept the new owners? and they don't allow "public ownership", GB is the only one and thats been "grandfathered" in and won't happen again. Its Ralphs team and his money, he can do with it what he wants, and he wants to keep it til he is on his death bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTC Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Do you realise that the NFL also has to accept the new owners? and they don't allow "public ownership", GB is the only one and thats been "grandfathered" in and won't happen again. Its Ralphs team and his money, he can do with it what he wants, and he wants to keep it til he is on his death bed. Ralph may be a lot of things but it is shameful the way an old man is attacked on these boards. He has done a lot of good in this world and in his prime was a much shrewder businessman than any of us could ever hope to be. Put yourself in his position, he put an "open for business" sign out in 1960. Though he is a charitable man, you and I and all the rest of us are not his family and certainly not his charity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillnutinHouston Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Ralph may be a lot of things but it is shameful the way an old man is attacked on these boards. He has done a lot of good in this world and in his prime was a much shrewder businessman than any of us could ever hope to be. Put yourself in his position, he put an "open for business" sign out in 1960. Though he is a charitable man, you and I and all the rest of us are not his family and certainly not his charity Well said. Boy that last sentence sure puts things in perspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTC Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Well said. Boy that last sentence sure puts things in perspective. If the Bills ever hoist a Lombardi during Ralph's lifetime, you people do realize that he will be the only continuous thread that runs through all of your greatest Bills memories, right??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nero47 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 here! here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPicc2114 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Ralph is the reason the team is still in Buffalo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nucci Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 What a shock. Another thread bashing Ralph. How original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsrcursed Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I have always liked Ralph Wilson. He has kept his promise of keeping the Bills in Western NY. Business has always been tougher here then some of the top markets. The excuses have been Buffalo is a small market, nothing to do, too cold, too much snow, can't afford big ticket freeagents. It has gotten much worse the past 10 years and now we have a bigger issue. No coach with any experience head coaching in the NFL that has been successful wants to coach the Buffalo Bills! Problem is everybody knows Ralph Wilson probably won't make it to the end of any contract signed. With no guarentees or information as to what happens to the Buffalo Bills franchise on Ralph's departure from mortality, we are left with a franchise in limbo!!! Even as a fan, I find myself after 10 years of not really competing on a high level, pulling away alittle farther every year. I use to have season tickets for 12 years from 86 to 97. After I usually bought 1-2 games a year after I moved away. This year was the first time since 83' that I didn't go to at least 1 game. I actually stopped watching the Bills on Sunday till Jauron got fired. The point is if Bills fans are waving in support because of Ralph's status and control then how can we expect someone with credentials to buy into the Bills branding. If Ralph doesn't change this culture by making some drastic changes in ownership for the future now, he stands to lose more support before the 2010 season even starts. This is a very critical year before the potential lockout. Ralph doesn't sound good when he is interviewed, very labored breathing. He may not be around if and when a lockout occurs, he may never see a NFL football game after this year again. Please Ralph, find a way to put in trust this franchise. Leave family members and lawyers in charge receiving paychecks. Take a loan out for any taxes or bonuses owed. Eventually leave Buffalo Bills trust to the City of Buffalo and offer public stocks to keep franchise viable. Sell stock when cash is needed over monies coming in. There are ways to make this work for Your family, you and the fans of Buffalo. If you don't like the way Ralph is running his team, feel free to purchase your own team and run it how you see fit.... Christ, by your logic, any Tom, Dick, and Harry can run an NFL organization. Where do these people come from??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corp000085 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Ralph Wilson IS the Buffalo Bills. If you don't like it, get out of town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills(70) Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Ralph Wilson IS the Buffalo Bills. If you don't like it, get out of town. Corp000085, You win the prize. You are dead on correct. Ralph started this team. Without Ralph Wilson, Buffalo does not have an NFL franchise. I wish fans would stop bashing him, there is absolutely zero reasons to do so. I deeply respect Ralph Wilson and what he did for Buffalo by starting the Bills. If anything, fans say thank you by supporting the team, even in its most trying times, and Ralph sees this loyalty. Thank you Ralph Wilson, thank you for creating this franchise, and thank you for keeping it here as long as you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truth on hold Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 without ralph there may never have been a franchise in buffalo. id say right around mid-70's and onwards theres no way the league would have approved expansion here. now for some the pain hasn't been worth having a team, but let's not lose sight of the fact that for others there'd very likely never been football here in the 1st place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobillsinytown Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Buh bye. Off to the ignore list....... I have always liked Ralph Wilson. He has kept his promise of keeping the Bills in Western NY. Business has always been tougher here then some of the top markets. The excuses have been Buffalo is a small market, nothing to do, too cold, too much snow, can't afford big ticket freeagents. It has gotten much worse the past 10 years and now we have a bigger issue. No coach with any experience head coaching in the NFL that has been successful wants to coach the Buffalo Bills! Problem is everybody knows Ralph Wilson probably won't make it to the end of any contract signed. With no guarentees or information as to what happens to the Buffalo Bills franchise on Ralph's departure from mortality, we are left with a franchise in limbo!!! Even as a fan, I find myself after 10 years of not really competing on a high level, pulling away alittle farther every year. I use to have season tickets for 12 years from 86 to 97. After I usually bought 1-2 games a year after I moved away. This year was the first time since 83' that I didn't go to at least 1 game. I actually stopped watching the Bills on Sunday till Jauron got fired. The point is if Bills fans are waving in support because of Ralph's status and control then how can we expect someone with credentials to buy into the Bills branding. If Ralph doesn't change this culture by making some drastic changes in ownership for the future now, he stands to lose more support before the 2010 season even starts. This is a very critical year before the potential lockout. Ralph doesn't sound good when he is interviewed, very labored breathing. He may not be around if and when a lockout occurs, he may never see a NFL football game after this year again. Please Ralph, find a way to put in trust this franchise. Leave family members and lawyers in charge receiving paychecks. Take a loan out for any taxes or bonuses owed. Eventually leave Buffalo Bills trust to the City of Buffalo and offer public stocks to keep franchise viable. Sell stock when cash is needed over monies coming in. There are ways to make this work for Your family, you and the fans of Buffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first_and_ten Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Well said. Boy that last sentence sure puts things in perspective. That being said, I'm hoping Ralph wants the legacy to continue after he is gone. If the team is sold and moved, the legacy will be gone also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nucci Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 That being said, I'm hoping Ralph wants the legacy to continue after he is gone. If the team is sold and moved, the legacy will be gone also. Who really cares about anything after you are dead? I'm guessing after you die you are not aware of anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I have always liked Ralph Wilson. He has kept his promise of keeping the Bills in Western NY. Business has always been tougher here then some of the top markets. The excuses have been Buffalo is a small market, nothing to do, too cold, too much snow, can't afford big ticket freeagents. It has gotten much worse the past 10 years and now we have a bigger issue. No coach with any experience head coaching in the NFL that has been successful wants to coach the Buffalo Bills! Problem is everybody knows Ralph Wilson probably won't make it to the end of any contract signed. With no guarentees or information as to what happens to the Buffalo Bills franchise on Ralph's departure from mortality, we are left with a franchise in limbo!!! Even as a fan, I find myself after 10 years of not really competing on a high level, pulling away alittle farther every year. I use to have season tickets for 12 years from 86 to 97. After I usually bought 1-2 games a year after I moved away. This year was the first time since 83' that I didn't go to at least 1 game. I actually stopped watching the Bills on Sunday till Jauron got fired. The point is if Bills fans are waving in support because of Ralph's status and control then how can we expect someone with credentials to buy into the Bills branding. If Ralph doesn't change this culture by making some drastic changes in ownership for the future now, he stands to lose more support before the 2010 season even starts. This is a very critical year before the potential lockout. Ralph doesn't sound good when he is interviewed, very labored breathing. He may not be around if and when a lockout occurs, he may never see a NFL football game after this year again. Please Ralph, find a way to put in trust this franchise. Leave family members and lawyers in charge receiving paychecks. Take a loan out for any taxes or bonuses owed. Eventually leave Buffalo Bills trust to the City of Buffalo and offer public stocks to keep franchise viable. Sell stock when cash is needed over monies coming in. There are ways to make this work for Your family, you and the fans of Buffalo. Don't you wish your father was richer, and do you hate him for not being able to give you better things in life? Are you waiting for him to kick so you can get your inheritance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tennesseeboy Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Gotta go with the idea that Ralph is not only the Buffalo Bills, but also a really major force in developing the American Football League, in the merger, in the progress of the NFL. He can do what he wants with the team, and he hasn't moved it yet. What will happen when Ralph passes? God only knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I have always liked Ralph Wilson. He has kept his promise of keeping the Bills in Western NY. Business has always been tougher here then some of the top markets. The excuses have been Buffalo is a small market, nothing to do, too cold, too much snow, can't afford big ticket freeagents. It has gotten much worse the past 10 years and now we have a bigger issue. No coach with any experience head coaching in the NFL that has been successful wants to coach the Buffalo Bills! Problem is everybody knows Ralph Wilson probably won't make it to the end of any contract signed. With no guarentees or information as to what happens to the Buffalo Bills franchise on Ralph's departure from mortality, we are left with a franchise in limbo!!! Even as a fan, I find myself after 10 years of not really competing on a high level, pulling away alittle farther every year. I use to have season tickets for 12 years from 86 to 97. After I usually bought 1-2 games a year after I moved away. This year was the first time since 83' that I didn't go to at least 1 game. I actually stopped watching the Bills on Sunday till Jauron got fired. The point is if Bills fans are waving in support because of Ralph's status and control then how can we expect someone with credentials to buy into the Bills branding. If Ralph doesn't change this culture by making some drastic changes in ownership for the future now, he stands to lose more support before the 2010 season even starts. This is a very critical year before the potential lockout. Ralph doesn't sound good when he is interviewed, very labored breathing. He may not be around if and when a lockout occurs, he may never see a NFL football game after this year again. Please Ralph, find a way to put in trust this franchise. Leave family members and lawyers in charge receiving paychecks. Take a loan out for any taxes or bonuses owed. Eventually leave Buffalo Bills trust to the City of Buffalo and offer public stocks to keep franchise viable. Sell stock when cash is needed over monies coming in. There are ways to make this work for Your family, you and the fans of Buffalo. I can't read this entire post. The whole thing is replete with grammatical incorrections. On a side note, I often wave in support of things. I do not, however, ever waver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills(70) Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Who really cares about anything after you are dead? I'm guessing after you die you are not aware of anything. What? I thought after you die you get a guest appearance as an almost seen shadow on Ghost Hunters....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USABuffaloFan Posted January 12, 2010 Author Share Posted January 12, 2010 I wrote this piece not to bash Ralph Wilson for giving us the Buffalo Bills. The fact remains that Ralph is 91 years old. Most companies are not run by 91 year old men. Ralph can and will do what he wants but he is watching his franchise become the joke of the NFL. Only the Detroit Lions have been a bigger failure if going to the playoffs even matter to anyone who responded negatively to this email. I have contributed alot in NY income tax, sales tax, Bills seats over the years. I have a right when my money was used to build this franchise to say what I feel. Ralph is no longer a viable NFL owner. ten years ago if Ralph called up coach's to come for a interview with no other job opennings they would have all come. Now even coordinators are turning us down. There are only 32 NFL coaching jobs, you don't turn down interviews for them unless something is really percieved wrong with that franchise. Fine, Ralph keep the damn franchise, run it to the ground. LA is waiting to move it when your gone with 1billion to show for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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