The Buffalo Bills, a prominent NFL team, boast a unique nickname rooted in American history. But why are they called the Bills? The answer lies in the legendary figure of “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a Wild West icon whose name resonated with the team’s original owner. This article delves into the origins of the Buffalo Bills’ nickname, exploring the life of “Buffalo Bill” Cody and the historical context surrounding the team’s naming.
The Legend of “Buffalo Bill” Cody and the Buffalo Bills’ Name
The Buffalo Bills’ nickname is a direct homage to William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a celebrated American frontiersman, scout, and showman. Cody earned his nickname by hunting and killing thousands of buffalo to feed construction crews working on the Union Pacific Railroad. His exploits in the American West, coupled with his world-renowned Wild West show, cemented his status as a folk hero and global celebrity.
Who Was “Buffalo Bill” Cody?
Born in LeClaire, Iowa, in 1846, William F. Cody lived a life filled with adventure. Beyond his buffalo hunting, he served as a U.S. Army scout during the Indian Wars, acted in various plays, and even claimed to have been a Pony Express rider. However, it was his Wild West show, a spectacular theatrical production showcasing the romanticized American West, that propelled him to international fame. The show featured hundreds of performers, including cowboys, Native Americans, and skilled marksmen, reenacting scenes of frontier life. Cody’s show captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his place in American folklore.
The Birth of the Buffalo Bills’ Nickname
The moniker “Buffalo Bills” first surfaced in 1946 with the Buffalo Bisons, a team in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). Owner James Breuil, seeking a distinct identity for his team amidst other Buffalo Bisons franchises in baseball, basketball, and hockey, held a public contest offering $500 for the winning name suggestion. The “Bills” emerged victorious, resonating with Breuil’s desire to maintain a frontier theme consistent with his other business ventures, particularly his Frontier Oil Company.
When the current Buffalo Bills franchise joined the American Football League (AFL) in 1960, founder Ralph Wilson embraced the existing nickname. Ironically, Wilson’s first choice for a team location was Miami, but after being turned down, he settled on Buffalo, adopting the “Bills” name on November 30, 1959. The name seamlessly connected the new team to the city’s football heritage and the enduring legacy of “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
The Buffalo Bills Today: Separating Fact from Fiction
While “Buffalo Bill” Cody remains the namesake of the Buffalo Bills, it’s important to note that he had no direct connection to the city of Buffalo, New York. Furthermore, the team’s official mascot is not “Buffalo Bill” but Billy the Buffalo, an eight-foot-tall American buffalo who debuted in 2000. The team’s name serves as a lasting tribute to the spirit of the American West and the iconic figure who embodied it. The Buffalo Bills’ nickname, therefore, stands as a powerful reminder of a bygone era, connecting a modern sports franchise to the legendary tales of the American frontier.
