During half time of the Buffalo Bills home opener game against the NY Jets on September 15, the number 78 was retired. Bruce Smith, who wore the No. 78 jersey during his time as a Buffalo Bills Defensive End, attended and spoke at the ceremony. Smith’s wife and son also attended, as did Jim Kelly (the only other Buffalo Bills past player who had his jersey number retired, No. 12) Some fun Bruce Smith NFL career facts are:
- Bruce Smith played in the NFL 19 seasons before his retirement, with all but 4 of those seasons being played on the Bills team.
- Smith holds the NFL record for the most sacks against Quarterbacks; as a member of the Bills he made 171 of his record 200 sacks.
- In 2009, Bruce Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- The Buffalo Bills went to the AFC Championships 4 years in a row during the years 1990-1993, with Bruce Smith helping to lead the team to that achievement.
- Smith was a designated twice as Defensive Player of the Year, the first in 1990 and again in 1996.
- Bruce Smith was named All Pro nine times.
- Each season from 1987 to 1998, Smith was elected to the Pro Bowl by his peers.
- He was named UPI’s AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1987, 1988, 1990 & 1996.
Bruce Smith is a legendary football player who continues to share the knowledge he has of the game in various situations. He is one of the greatest players of our time. Rumors have been heard suggesting Smith nay try his hand at coaching, but no true plan has been made known.
