FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 25, 2014

Statement from Speaker Sheldon Silver on the Passing of
Ralph Wilson, Owner of the Buffalo Bills


I am saddened by the passing of Ralph Wilson, the legendary owner of the Buffalo Bills and one of America's most prominent businessmen.

Mr. Wilson deserves much credit for choosing to invest in Western New York and putting his faith in the area's football fans when he helped launch the fledgling American Football League in the City of Buffalo, forever linking it and the surrounding region to what is now the National Football League, today's premier professional sports institution.

For more than 50 years, Mr. Wilson partnered with state and local governments to keep the nationally acclaimed team in the region where he generously supported numerous charitable, youth and civic organizations.

Mr. Wilson's longtime presence in business and sports was a terrific asset to the area, and he was true to his commitment that Western New York be the home of the Buffalo Bills. May he rest in peace.