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In the entire history of the Buffalo Bills franchise, there has only been one retired jersey. Quarterback Jim Kelly was the lone honoree. Until now. Bruce Smith, from Virginia Tech, will have his number 78 jersey retired on September 15th. Smith was part of four Super Bowl teams in Buffalo, and was an integral piece of those championship runs.
78. Forever Bruce Smith.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) May 11, 2016
The Bills will retire the legend's number at our 2016 home opener! https://t.co/vDm3zPu9p1 pic.twitter.com/J5uRhA0mR7
Smith hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At Virginia Tech, he had an incredible 22 sacks during his junior season. He capped off his amazing college career winning the prestigious Outland Trophy and was a unanimous All-American selection. The Buffalo Bills drafted him with the number one overall pick in the 1985 draft. After arriving in Buffalo, Smith put together an incredible career amassing some jaw dropping stats . He was an 11 time Pro Bowl selection. He was the AP Defensive POY 2 times, in 1990 and 1996. Smith was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Gobbler Country salutes this former Hokie great, and extend our hearty congratulations!