No one who has played for the Bills since Bruce Smith left the franchise in 1999 has dared to wear No. 78, and now it's official they won't be able to.
The team announced Wednesday plans to honor the Hall of Fame defensive end during their home opener against the Jets in Week 2. That honor is the retirement of his No. 78 jersey, which has been long overdue.
Why did it take so long for Bills to retire Bruce Smith's number? Russ Brandon: "It's a tough question to answer ... The right time is now.