Have you ever wondered about some of the unique names in sports? Like, why are the Buffalo Bills called the Buffalo Bills? Many people assume it’s just about the animal, the mighty bison, which is often called a buffalo. But there’s a much deeper, more historical story behind it!
Well, our story actually begins with an earlier Buffalo football team, established back in 1946, as part of the All-America Football Conference. They were initially named the Buffalo Bisons. But here’s the catch: Buffalo already had multiple teams named the Bisons – in baseball, basketball, and even hockey! It was a bit, well, confusing.
The team’s owner, James Breuil, who also owned Frontier Oil, wanted a name that really embraced a “frontier theme.” So, they held a public contest! The winning entry was submitted by a fan named James F. Dyson, who suggested the team be like “a band of ‘Buffalo Bills’.” He was referring to the legendary William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill! Cody was a famous American frontiersman, bison hunter, and an incredible showman known for his Wild West extravaganzas. He truly embodied toughness and the spirit of the American West.
When the American Football League was founded in 1959, and Ralph Wilson brought a new team to Buffalo, he decided to honor that legacy. He chose to revive the “Buffalo Bills” name, giving the new franchise a connection to the city’s football past and the iconic spirit of Buffalo Bill Cody.
So, while the team’s current logo features a powerful bison, representing strength and the region’s historical ties to the animal, the name “Bills” actually tips its hat to a true American legend, William F. Cody. It’s a fantastic blend of local identity, historical figures, and frontier spirit!