Franchise on the verge of milestone victory
By "Larry Felser VIII"

Off-Season 2105 (Orchard Park, NY) - Four is the magic number. Four more and they can claim a grand victory. The Buffalo Bills Franchise sits just four wins shy of 1,000 regular season victories in this modern era of the USAFL. The storied franchise with a regular season record of 996-448-12 has a chance to achieve the milestone at home during Week 5 of the 2105 season.

The franchise has a rich history that has captivated the city of Buffalo since the inception of the USAFL. And the fans – also known historically as the 12th Man – deserve to savor this pending achievement as much as the organization. They’ve proven their loyalty through thick and thin. From a not-so-behind-the-scenes fraternal dispute in 2020 - that ultimately led to a change in front office personnel – to the playoff droughts of the ‘30s and ‘40s to the glory years of the ‘60s and ‘70s (and possibly the 2100’s??), the fan base has remained one of the strongest in the league. They’ve witnessed it all.

For a blue collar city like Buffalo, the football team is their source of hope. It’s their inspiration and their passion. This city lives for Sundays – and with good reason.

Through one-hundred and four seasons, the Buffalo Bills have given back to their fans:

- 21 Sundby Cup Championships
- 39 AFC Championships
- 49 AFC East Titles
- 3 Undefeated Championship seasons (2020, 2069 and 2103)
- 1 Undefeated regular season (2028)

The Bills have kept their faithful satisfied with wins – sometimes full decades worth. From 2001 – 2020 and 2055 – 2074 they averaged over 10 regular season wins per season, with totals of 208 and 218, respectively. As an extension of that, this franchise has put together impressive post-season streaks, including consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 2008 – 2011 (four), from 2052 – 2058 (seven) and from 2067 – 2075 (nine). The latter most notably produced seven Sundby Cups.

However, the fan’s love affair with this team has not always been easy. After an impressive league start, including 19 post season appearances and six Sundby Cups within their first 21 seasons, things turned sour. From 2022 – 2048 the Bills made the playoffs only 12 times, while winning only one Sundby Cup. As with any harsh, cold winter, though, things could only get better. And in the 56 seasons since? 50 playoff appearances and 14 Cups.

Many believe those three distinct eras of USAFL Football for the Buffalo Bills were dictated by personnel decisions. There were some solid teams in the 30’s and 40’s, but they seemed to lack star power. That intangible quality that every Buffalonian understands – but for the most part cannot explain:

QB Sonny Vail. WR Corey Price. RB Jon Winters. DL Clarke Wilson. DL Kelvin Ceciliani. QB Mark Stegall. RB Reuben Block. TE Ahmed Carver. DL Berkeley Grimsley. LB Cary Blair. QB Cedric Ebert. RB Benjamin Strickland. DL Coleman Sites. And now QB Morgan Capper.

These are the faces of the franchise. These are the stars who provided that certain grand quality. But to all Buffalo fans, it was the team. The city fell in love with a team - an organization that sets the bar high from within. Buffalo may only have three good months of weather each year; Buffalo may see industry after industry up-and-leave, taking much needed jobs with them. But every September – the sun shines just a little bit brighter; the air feels a little bit warmer, because the people have something to cheer about.

So raise your glasses Buffalo. Raise your glasses and toast your football team when that magic number is attained. And always remember – you are an important part of this Grand tradition.