ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Almost 15 years after making Jim Kelly's No. 12 the first retired number in franchise history, the Buffalo Bills have decided to retire another number, Bruce Smith's No. 78.
So why did it take so long to retire Smith's number, and when could other numbers follow?
Team president Russ Brandon explained Wednesday that honoring Smith was among items "on [his] list" to address with owners Terry and Kim Pegula after they took control of the team in 2014, following the death of founding owner Ralph Wilson.
"I know some people would say it's overdue, but from our standpoint, we're just looking forward to honoring one of the greatest players of all time," Brandon told WGR 550 on Wednesday morning.