Bills have top billing for Hall inductions

CANTON, Ohio – Practically giddy with excitement over his upcoming induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ralph Wilson greeted Bruce Smith in the middle of a hotel ballroom to pose for a picture Friday afternoon.

“It’s been fun,” said the 90-year-old Buffalo Bills owner, who then pointed to Smith, his former star defensive end. “It’s been fun because of him.”

Smith was quick with a response. “I think it goes both ways,” he said. “And now we’re going to be part of an elite class.”

That’ll happen today, when Wilson and Smith are formally inducted along with Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, defensive back Rod Woodson, offensive guard Randall McDaniel and receiver Bob Hayes. Thomas, whose career was cut short in 2000 when he died following a car accident, and Hayes, who died in 2002 at age 59, will both be inducted posthumously.

Thomas’ induction is expected to be among the most poignant moments of the ceremony, because he was regarded as one of his generation’s most charismatic players.

Bills connections are also hard to miss about this group, which will give this weekend a distinct Buffalo flavor. Not only are two Bills being enshrined, but the team will be playing Tennessee in the Hall of Fame game on Sunday, when Terrell Owens makes his debut in a Buffalo uniform.

As of Friday evening, Hall officials reported that 30 percent of enshrinement tickets sold have been purchased by fans from Buffalo telephone area codes.

That’s no surprise to Smith.

“It will be exciting. It will be loud,” said Smith, recalling how 80,000 fans would fill Ralph Wilson Stadium in blizzard-like conditions. “It’s going to be incredible to see all of them out again.”

Smith, the No. 1 pick in the 1985 draft out of Virginia Tech, went on to become one of the league’s most dominant pass-rushers and will be inducted in his first year of eligibility. In 19 seasons with Buffalo and Washington, he registered a league-record 200 sacks and played a pivotal role in helping the Bills make a still-unmatched four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.

Though Smith’s induction was considered a lock, he still finds the honor overwhelming.

“This has been an incredible ride,” said the NFL’s two-time defensive player of the year. “Tomorrow still hasn’t set in emotionally.”

The opportunity to enter the Hall with Wilson makes it even more special.

“I’m thrilled,” Smith said. “For him to be around, and for him to be able to enjoy this moment, it brings this whole family atmosphere back full circle.”

When asked if he’s completed his induction speech, Wilson replied: “No. I’m going to ham-and-egg it.”

Asked whether he’ll stick to the suggested 12-minute time limit, Wilson said: “I got 50 years, and they give me 12 minutes.”

Hall of Fame guard Billy Shaw, who played for the Bills in the 1960s, spent part of the day with Wilson and said: “He’s like a little boy right now with a new candy bar.”