1960s-1970s
The Buffalo Bills were established in 1960 as a founding member of the American Football League (AFL), named after a 1940s All-America Football Conference team. Under coach Lou Saban, the Bills became known for their tough defense and strong running game, led by stars like Cookie Gilchrist and quarterback Jack Kemp.
- The Bills were one of the AFL’s most successful franchises before the 1970 AFL–NFL merger.
- AFL Championships: 1964 and 1965
1970s: Transition and Turbulence
After joining the NFL in 1970, the Bills struggled early but saw a brief revival thanks to O.J. Simpson, one of the league’s most dominant running backs.
- Despite Simpson’s success, the team had inconsistent results and only made one playoff appearance (1974) during the decade.
- O.J. Simpson’s 2,003-yard season (1973) made him the first player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a 14-game season.
1980s: Rebuilding Years and the Arrival of Jim Kelly
The early 1980s were difficult, but the Bills’ fortunes turned with the arrival of head coach Marv Levy (1986) and quarterback Jim Kelly (1986 from the USFL). They built the foundation for a dominant team alongside key players like Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, and Cornelius Bennett.
1990–1993: The Super Bowl Years
This era marked the Bills’ golden age. They became the only team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls (XXV–XXVIII).
Despite the heartbreak, the Bills’ no-huddle “K-Gun” offense revolutionized the league, and their dominance made them one of the 1990s’ defining teams.
- Super Bowl XXV (1990): Lost to the Giants 20–19 (Scott Norwood’s missed FG).
- Super Bowls XXVI–XXVIII: Lost to Washington, Dallas (twice).
1994–2016: Decline and Playoff Drought
After the Super Bowl run, the Bills gradually declined as stars retired. They remained competitive in the mid-’90s but entered a 17-year playoff drought (2000–2017) — the longest in NFL history at the time. Despite roster turnover and coaching changes, the team maintained a passionate fanbase known as the “Bills Mafia.”
2017–Present: The Josh Allen Era
The playoff drought ended in 2017 under coach Sean McDermott, and the franchise entered a new era after drafting quarterback Josh Allen in 2018.
- Recent Success: Multiple playoff appearances (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- 2020 Season: 13–3 record, AFC Championship appearance (lost to Kansas City).
- The team, led by Allen and star receiver Stefon Diggs, is known for a dynamic offense and strong defense, restoring Buffalo as a consistent AFC contender.