Bills 11 Best Players of All Time

#11: Darryl Talley (1983-1994)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 233 lbs

Darryl Talley was the heart and soul of the Buffalo Bills’ defense during their dominant run to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s. 

Known for his relentless motor, leadership, and versatility, Talley was a key playmaker at linebacker, excelling in both pass coverage and run defense. His toughness and football IQ made him one of the most respected players on the field, and his presence was pivotal in anchoring the Bills’ defense. 

Talley’s durability and consistency helped him accumulate 1,252 tackles during his time in Buffalo, making him a franchise legend.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x Pro Bowler
• Member of the Bills’ Wall of Fame
• Played in four consecutive Super Bowls with the Bills (1990-1993)

#10: Kyle Williams (2006-2018)

• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 303 lbs

Kyle Williams was the backbone of the Bills’ defensive line for over a decade. Known for his relentless work ethic, leadership, and ability to disrupt offenses, Williams earned six Pro Bowl selections during his career. 

His combination of power and technique made him a dominant force in both run defense and pass rushing. A true team leader, Williams was the heart of the Bills’ defense, and his commitment to the team endeared him to fans, making him one of the most respected players in franchise history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x Pro Bowler
• Bills’ Walter Payton Man of the Year (2013)
• Over 600 career tackles and 48.5 sacks

#9: Cornelius Bennett (1987-1995)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 240 lbs

Cornelius “Biscuit” Bennett was one of the most dominant linebackers of his era and a key figure in the Bills’ run to four consecutive Super Bowls. Bennett was a versatile linebacker, equally effective against the run and the pass. 

His ability to make game-changing plays, whether by sacking the quarterback or forcing turnovers, made him a cornerstone of the Bills’ defense. Bennett’s leadership and tenacity helped solidify his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest defenders.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5x Pro Bowler
• 2x First-Team All-Pro
• AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1988)

#8: Eric Moulds (1996-2005)

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs

Eric Moulds was one of the most explosive and productive wide receivers in Buffalo Bills history. Known for his physicality, speed, and playmaking ability, Moulds was a dominant force during his prime. 

He posted several 1,000-yard seasons and consistently ranked among the top receivers in the NFL during his time with the Bills. His ability to make difficult catches in crucial moments made him a fan favorite, and his impact on the offense was undeniable throughout his tenure in Buffalo.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x Pro Bowler
• Bills’ all-time leader in receiving yards at the time of his departure

#7: Steve Tasker (1986-1997)

• Position: Wide Receiver / Special Teams
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 183 lbs

Steve Tasker is widely regarded as one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history. Although he played as a wide receiver, Tasker’s true impact came on special teams, where his speed, tackling ability, and football intelligence made him a game-changer. 

Tasker’s contributions on punt and kickoff coverage helped the Bills during their dominant Super Bowl runs in the 1990s. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Tasker is remembered not only for his special teams brilliance but also for his leadership and toughness, which earned him a place in Bills lore.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 7x Pro Bowler
• 5x First-Team All-Pro (Special Teams)
• Played in four consecutive Super Bowls with the Bills

#6: Fred Jackson (2006-2015)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 lbs

Fred Jackson was a fan favorite in Buffalo, known for his toughness, versatility, and underdog story. After starting his career in the lower leagues, Jackson earned his spot with the Bills and quickly became one of the most reliable running backs in the NFL. 

He could run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and block in pass protection, making him a vital part of the Bills’ offense for nearly a decade. Jackson’s ability to consistently produce, along with his leadership, made him a beloved figure in Buffalo.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Over 5,600 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns with the Bills
• Over 500 career receptions
• NFL leader in all-purpose yards (2009)

#5: Andre Reed (1985-1999)

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs

Andre Reed was the go-to receiver for Jim Kelly and one of the key offensive players during the Buffalo Bills’ legendary Super Bowl runs. 

Known for his toughness, route running, and ability to make clutch catches in big moments, Reed was a nightmare for opposing defenses. He thrived in the Bills’ famous “K-Gun” offense, consistently ranking among the top receivers in the league. 

Reed’s combination of speed and physicality allowed him to rack up yards after the catch, and he retired as one of the NFL’s all-time leaders in receptions. His remarkable career earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 7x Pro Bowler
• Over 13,000 career receiving yards
• 951 career receptions (11th all-time upon retirement)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2014)

#4: O.J. Simpson (1969-1977)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 212 lbs

O.J. Simpson is one of the most iconic figures in NFL history, remembered for his explosive speed and incredible ability to break tackles. 

Simpson became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, accomplishing the feat in just 14 games in 1973. Nicknamed “The Juice,” Simpson’s combination of power, vision, and acceleration made him one of the most feared running backs of his time. 

Despite the controversy that surrounded him later in life, his impact on the field remains undeniable, and his achievements with the Bills solidify his place as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5x Pro Bowler
• NFL MVP (1973)
• First player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season (1973)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1985)

#3: Thurman Thomas (1988-1999)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 206 lbs

Thurman Thomas was the engine of the Buffalo Bills’ offense during their dominance in the early 1990s. Known for his ability to both run and catch passes out of the backfield, Thomas was a versatile weapon in the Bills’ high-powered offense. 

He won the NFL MVP in 1991 and led the league in yards from scrimmage for four consecutive seasons. Thomas was instrumental in the Bills’ four straight Super Bowl appearances, consistently delivering in both the running and passing games. His ability to make plays in critical moments and his consistency over a decade made him one of the greatest dual-threat running backs in NFL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• NFL MVP (1991)
• 5x Pro Bowler
• Over 12,000 career rushing yards
• 4x AFC Champion
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2007)

#2: Bruce Smith (1985-1999)

• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 262 lbs

Bruce Smith is the NFL’s all-time leader in career sacks and one of the most dominant defensive players in league history. Known for his power, speed, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, Smith was the heart of the Bills’ defense during their Super Bowl years. 

His ability to take over games and consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks made him a game-changing presence on the field. Smith’s work ethic and leadership helped define the Bills’ defense for nearly two decades, and his 200 career sacks are a testament to his greatness. 

He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive ends to ever play the game.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 11x Pro Bowler
• 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1996)
• NFL All-Time leader in sacks (200)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2009)

#1: Jim Kelly (1986-1996)

• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 226 lbs

Jim Kelly was the face of the Buffalo Bills during their most successful era, leading the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s. Known for his strong arm, toughness, and leadership, Kelly was the perfect quarterback to run the Bills’ no-huddle “K-Gun” offense. 

He was a fierce competitor who could make all the throws and was known for his ability to elevate his game in big moments. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Kelly’s impact on the franchise is immeasurable, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Bills history. 

His contributions to the game and his community earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5x Pro Bowler
• 4x AFC Champion
• Over 35,000 career passing yards
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2002)