TheBrownBear Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Ralph. Thank you so much for bringing the Bills to Buffalo and providing me with so many fond childhood memories watching those great teams of the '90s. Condolences to the Wilson family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Rip Ralph! Wow, born at very end of WW1 What a life!! So true! Just think what he saw in his life... From cars being in their infancy to Space Shuttles to the hand held device I am shooting this message across the globe with! Wow... What a time to be born and live 95 years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamSandwhich Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Wow, RIP Ralph! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeviF Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Rest in peace, Mr. Wilson. And thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 My favorite Ralph Wilson moment: when Tagliabue fined him $50k for speaking out after the "Just Give It To 'Em" game, and Ralph responded: “The commissioner lecturing to me as if I were a novice, instead of one who has been involved in football infinitely longer than he has, contends that criticizing a call has ‘destructive and corrosive effects on the game.’ What is more destructive and corrosive — errant calls in front of millions of viewers, or my statements of opinion? People all over the country registered shock at the way the officials, however honorable their purpose, took the game away from us. Even the league has admitted to us that the calls near the conclusion of the game were incorrect. I do know I don’t need pompous lectures from the commissioner and I feel that the $50,000 is not only unwarranted, but punitive in nature. The next time he may ask me to sit in the corner.” Thanks for the memories, Ralph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heels20X6 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Spiller on RW http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/25/c-j-spiller-mourns-the-passing-of-ralph-wilson/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in Horseheads Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Ralph and condolences to his family. I can't help but wonder if he has one last gift to WNY up his sleeve in his will to keep his beloved Bills in WNY.... A great long life to be celebrated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOBILLS78 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 My favorite Ralph Wilson moment: when Tagliabue fined him $50k for speaking out after the "Just Give It To 'Em" game, and Ralph responded: Thanks for the memories, Ralph. There are few things better than people who hand you your ass in that kind of way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buftex Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) My favorite Ralph Wilson moment: when Tagliabue fined him $50k for speaking out after the "Just Give It To 'Em" game, and Ralph responded: Thanks for the memories, Ralph. I will be the first to admit, I have been critical of Mr Wilson over the years, but it is impossible for his passing to occur, and not acknoweldge him, and thank him for the memories, or, moreover, making the memories ours. With Jim Kelly ailing, and now this, I realize more and more how much the Buffalo Bills mean to me, they are home... thanks Mr Wilson! Edited March 25, 2014 by Buftex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill from NYC Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Mr. Wilson. Thanks for providing a product that I share with friends and loved ones. You gave us decades of something to cheer for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlbillsfan1975 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 I met Mr Wilson a number of times when my grandfather worked for the team in the 70's and 80's. my grandfather was a small time employee, but Mr Wilson always remembered who his family was and would always stop and say hello and ask 'aren't you Bill's grand kid'. Say what you will about him the man had class. He is the reason we have the Bills and i for one have a tear in my eye as i type this. RIP Mr Wilson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB3 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Mr Wilson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgang Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Ralph. So many memories and such a big heart. My thoughts and prayers to Ralph and his family and the entire Bills Nation. And to you, Ralph, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Truly one in a million with such a passion for the game and a really good sense of humor. From Ralph's Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech (http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/6595/ralph-wilson-s-hall-of-fame-speech) "...In the fall of 1959, I read in the paper where a young champ named Lamar Hunt and Bud Adams were starting a new professional football league. Lamar lived in Dallas, and he couldn't get an expansion franchise from the NFL. So I decided to start my own league. I happened to have a winter home in Miami, which was one of the prospective sites that I read in the paper. So I called Lamar and told him of my interest. And he said, well, if you're interested, you better get down here right away, because there are other people that are likewise interested. So I flew down the next day, and he granted me the Miami franchise. And we both went down to talk to the city fathers, and see if we could lease the Orange Bowl. It was the only place to play football in those days. The city fathers would not let a new league lease the Orange Bowl, because they had a bad time with another new league that came before us. So I flew home and forgot about it. About four or five days later I got a call from Lamar, and he said, Ralph, we need an eighth franchise to balance out this new league. One from the east and one from the west. And I'll give you your choice of five different cities where you can place your franchise. And I picked Buffalo. It was a lucky pick, because over the years, they have supported the team in Buffalo beyond our fondest dreams. And without the support, I wouldn't be on this platform tonight... The AFL started the new season in 1960. We played our first game in old War Memorial Stadium downtown which seated about 35,000, which was enough. And the first season in the exhibition we were playing terrible. Now towards the end of the exhibition season, we were playing the New York Titans. Now it's the New York Jets. And my friends in the stands said, Wilson, why don't you go down and talk to the team. You're behind 21-7. You can't do any worse. You've had a lousy start in your games up to date. And I said what am I gonna tell them? Well, tell them something. So at their urging, I went down and walked into our locker room, and there was our head coach, Buster Ramsey. With that expression on his face -- what are you doing in here? I said I want to talk to the team, Buster said. "Go ahead, talk to them." And I gave that team one of the most inspiring fight talks. It was reminiscent of maybe Newt Rockney or Vince Lombardi. And we lost the game 51-7. Shortly there after, Buster said to me, hey, Ralph, next time talk to the other team." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIllsNation Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 sad day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnbillsbacker Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) Moving the Chains on Sirius NFL radio is doing a great job of celebrating the life of Ralf Wilson. Tune in if you can. It is amazing how much Mr. Wilson has done for the others and the NFL. Thank you so much Mr. Wilson. Edited March 25, 2014 by auburnbillsbacker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PS 56 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 I am sorry to see him go. Rest in peace Mr. Wilson and to your family my condolences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 R.I.P. Mr. Wilson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azalin Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 rest in peace. thoughts and prayers for his family during this time of sadness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) Balanced article from Sully: Jerry Sullivan @TBNSully 23m Ralph Wilson, a fan at heart http://bit.ly/1hnE6fx I like this tweet from #24: The Gilly Lock @BumpNrunGilm0re 45m RIP Mr. Ralph Wilson Jr. Thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. Can't wait to rock the Ralph this season in your honor. Edited March 25, 2014 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmokinES3 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 R.I.P. Mr. Wilson. What you've done for WNY will not be forgotten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede316 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Mr. Wilson....thank you for all you have done and my condolences to your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack_spikes Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Thank you Mr. Wilson for all that you gave us. Rest high on the mountain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick in RaChaCha Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Prayers for the Wilson Family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle flap Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frez Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Sad day indeed.............RIP Ralph Wilson. Thank you for everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronc24 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 The outpouring of fondness and stories of greatness say it all....Hall of Fame Owner, Hall of Fame person. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsPride12 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Ralph. I feel privileged to have been there in Canton to see you inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Thank You for bringing this region its most prized possession Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamrock Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Mr. Wilson. My thoughts for your family, Bills family & to the passing of another WW2 veteran. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D521646 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Thank you, Ralph, we will ALL miss you! Tim- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumbalaya Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) godspeed ralph, while you are up there, get jim kelly a little reprieve. Edited March 25, 2014 by jumbalaya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Anna Stolzenburg @annastolz 24m The flags are flying at half staff at One Bills Drive in honor of our great owner. http://instagram.com/p/l-o0mLw2AO/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPS Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 A long life well lived You brought joy to so many The trophy awaits... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnychemo Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 This is something I've never really mentioned, but I play in a few bands in town, and one of them was hired by the Wilson's to perform for the after party when Ralph was inducted into the hall. It was a long day for him, he didn't get to his own party until close to midnight as I recall. He looked very frail, and walked with the assistance of two aides. He sat on the foot of our stage and talked to the crowd, thanking them and telling a couple of stories. I managed to take a few pictures of him as he sat there, and wound up getting a rather nice shot of Jim Kelly talking to him after his speech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stowellez Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Mr. Wilson. You will be missed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Best Player Available Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 per NFLN and Ian Rapoport - Kraft spoke on behalf of NFL owners to say there is a commitment to keep the Bills in Buffalo. I could almost change my opinion of Kraft if that's from his heart. Doubtful Jerrah will say anything. Even though he owed Ralph for things his rich butt didn't understand in the CBA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTLBills Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Mr. Wilson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Ralph...Thank You very much... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP, Mr. Wilson. Thanks for all your generosity over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justice Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP, Mr. Wilson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDOSyr Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 RIP Ralph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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