Ralph wilson jr biography

American football executive (1918–2014)

This article is about the Buffalo Bills owner.

Ralph wilson jr biography

For the American gymnast, see Ralph Wilson (gymnast). For the American astronomer, see Ralph Elmer Wilson.

American football player

Ralph Cookerly Wilson Jr. (October 17, 1918 – March 25, 2014) was an American businessman and sports executive.

He was best known as the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills, a team in the National Football League (NFL). He was one of the founding owners of the American Football League (AFL), the league with which the NFL merged in 1970, and was the last of the original AFL owners to own his team.

Ralph wilson jr age

At the time of his death he was the oldest owner in the NFL, at age 95. His 54 years of ownership was the third longest tenure by one owner in league history behind George Halas and Art Rooney.^[a] Wilson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Career

Wilson grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the son of salesman Ralph Wilson S