Former Bills safety George Wilson will be the Legend of the Game for Buffalo's game against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 3.
"I was excited when the Bills reached out to me," Wilson said. "It's Miami week. It's an archrival of ours so that's a great matchup. And I know the Bills fans, the Bills Mafia, is going to be in full effect on Sunday. You gotta get up for Miami, so excited to be a part of it."
Wilson, who has a home in Atlanta, GA and a farm property in Paducah, KY, has not been back to Buffalo since before the pandemic and he is excited about returning to Western New York.
"It's been a few years, and I'm excited to come back."
Wilson loves what he sees from the 6-2 Bills at the midway point of the season.
"I think this year, even with all the moving parts… I think the team has shown some real resilience," Wilson said. "Guys making names for themselves, making plays each and every week. Every guy's doing their job. They're winning in all three phases."
The safety originally signed as an undrafted free agent to the Detroit Lions after the 2004 NFL Draft. He signed to the Bills practice squad as a wide receiver. Prior to the 2007 season, he made the transition to strong safety.
"I was a contributor on special teams, so they gave me a chance to really be able to show some value and add some value and being able to make that switch to defense," Wilson said. "I go into camp just trying to make a play, just trying to show them that I'm learning the position, that I'm making plays that I know where to be to buy more opportunities and more time to be able to show and so ended up making the team as the fifth safety."
Wilson credited his teammates and coaches with helping him make the transition from receiver to safety smooth. Wilson played in Buffalo from 2004-2012.
"My position coach, George Catavolos, who stayed with me after practice, to work with me," Wilson said. "Guys like my teammates, Jim Leonard, who played safety with me, helped me with my playbook. Kiwaukee Thomas was our nickel back at the time, he worked with me on my back pedaling technique. And, you know, just being able to just be have a defensive back mentality rather than a wide receiver mentality."
In 2007, due to injuries to their starting safeties, Wilson made his first start against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night football. His first start was a memorable one, as he intercepted Cowboys QB Tony Romo and returned it for a touchdown.
"That moment, that touchdown showed me that I belonged," Wilson said. "All that work, all those hours matter, all those all those nights of watching film and learning my playbook and just working out, doing extra, staying after practice, just doing the little things - it paid off."
Since his retirement, Wilson has worked on building his farm in Kentucky and started the George Wilson S.A.F.E.T.Y. Foundation. S.A.F.E.T.Y. is an acronym that stands for saving adolescents from everyday trials of youth.
He hopes that the foundation and his farm property in Kentucky will serve as a resource for students and schools as a campground development.
"I know what it was like to grow up without a lot of resources… but I also know what it feels like to grow up in a home that's filled with love and warmth," Wilson said. "I just want to be able to be a resource for this generation coming up. To be able to just show them that their dreams are possible and try to equip them with the tools that I feel that made a difference in my life and hoping that it will also help them on their journeys and pursuing their dreams and goals and aspirations as well."
Wilson will join Bills Mafia in rooting on the Bills as they take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Scroll to see the best photos from Wednesday's practice as the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the Miami Dolphins.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Amari Cooper (18). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Eli Ankou (51). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mike Edwards (21). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
A.J. Epenesa (57). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mike White (14), Josh Allen (17), Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Reggie Gilliam (41). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Marcus West. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17)Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Cam Lewis (39). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Daequan Hardy (25). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Daequan Hardy (25). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Daequan Hardy (25). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
KJ Hamler (19). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
DaQuan Jones (92), Eli Ankou (51). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawuane Smoot (94). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Zion Logue (97). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Bobby Babich. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Matt Edwards, Eli Ankou (51), Zion Logue (97), DaQuan Jones (92), Austin Johnson (98). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Eli Ankou (51). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88), Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Sam Martin (8). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17)James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kareem Jackson (27). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mike Edwards (21). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Taylor Rapp (9). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kameron Cline (96). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Terrel Bernard (43). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dorian Williams (42). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Baylon Spector (54). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Lewis Cine (36). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Jalen Virgil (89). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Edefuan Ulofoshio (48). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
KJ Hamler (19). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Nick Morrow (32). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joe Andreessen (44). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Casey Toohill (99). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawuane Smoot (94). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Austin Johnson (98). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Eli Ankou (51). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kameron Cline (96). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17), Tyler Bass (2). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kameron Cline (96). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Marcus West. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0), Kaiir Elam (5). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mitchell Trubisky (11), Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Terrel Bernard (43). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
A.J. Epenesa (57). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Brandon Beane. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kingsley Jonathan (59). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17), Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Baylon Spector (54). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Sam Martin (8). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dorian Williams (42). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40), Marcus West. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Taylor Rapp (9), Dorian Williams (42). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Lewis Cine (36). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17), Tyler Bass (2). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Sean McDermott. Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17), James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88), Mack Hollins (13), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Nick Morrow (32). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88), Ryan Van Demark (74), Spencer Brown (79), O'Cyrus Torrence (64), Connor McGovern (66). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ryan Van Demark (74). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Reggie Gilliam (41), Dalton Kincaid (86), Tommy Doyle (72). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Reggie Gilliam (41). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Connor McGovern (66). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0), Amari Cooper (18). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
O'Cyrus Torrence (64), Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kameron Cline (96), Austin Johnson (98). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kameron Cline (96), Austin Johnson (98). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Taylor Rapp (9). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 9 practice, October 30, 2024 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
