Clark Hunt Releases Statement On Passing Of Ralph Wilson Jr.

May 14, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of a Buffalo Bills helmet used during organized team activities at Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Ralph Wilson Jr., owner of the Buffalo Bills and founding member of the AFL, died today at the age of 95. Wilson partnered with Lamar Hunt and the six other “Foolish Club” members to for the AFL in 1959, and then helped orchestrate the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Clark Hunt released a statement on behalf of his family and the club on KCChiefs.com today:

"“On behalf of my family and the entire Chiefs organization, we’d like to express our deepest sympathies to the Wilson family and the Buffalo Bills. Ralph had a significant impact on the evolution of pro football. He took risks and made decisions that helped mold the NFL into what it is today. As two of the original members of the AFL’s Foolish Club, my father and Ralph shared a unique bond and a special friendship. I had the privilege of knowing Ralph and his family my entire life. His sense of humor was extraordinary and his passion for the Buffalo Bills was remarkable. He was a gentleman and a family man and will be missed dearly.”"