Before the Bills home opener against the Arizona Cardinals, the 1964 and 1965 Buffalo Bills AFL Championship teams were honored. Five former players were in attendance including RB Wray Carlton, QB Ed Rutkowski, CB Butch Byrd, CB Booker Edgerson and LB Paul Maguire. Former owner Mary Wilson, the wife of the late Ralph Wilson Jr., also participated in the on-field acknowledgement.
"It's a great experience, but it's strange to me, because we're old," Carlton joked. "It's been a long time, but to see all these guys here is wonderful."
The sentiments remained the same from all of the players as they all said that it was an honor to be remembered.
"Well, it's really great to be remembered," Byrd said. "There's a lot of excitement here as we look around at all these people. It's a really gratifying event."
"Oh, it's great. It really is," Rutkowski said. "And just to be back with all of my teammates and be here for the first home opener means an awful lot to us. Hopefully we're going to have an influence, a positive influence, on the outcome of this game. Let these guys remember who the '64 and '65 champions were and see if they can duplicate that this year."
Scroll through some of the best fan photos from the Bills Week 1 game against the Cardinals. Notable fans in attendance include players from the 1964-64 Buffalo Bills, US Women's Flag Football members Vanita Krouch and Megan Majors and the Buffalo Sabres. This gallery is presented by SnapDragon Apples.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals, Regular Season, September 08, 2024 at Highmark Stadium.
What Edgerson remembers most about his time playing for the Bills is their fan base, saying that they have not changed since his playing days.
"We had a great time here in Buffalo and the fans was great back then, just like they are right now," Edgerson said.
"You know, they call them the Bills Mafia now, back then, they call them the Buffalo Bills Booker Edgerson's team," Edgerson teased. "But no, the fans has always been great. You know, we've always had great fans, and I think that's an asset to a small city of our size, with a professional football team."
All five members in attendance were part of the Buffalo Bills team that won back-to-back AFL championships over the San Diego Chargers.
Maguire, who played for the San Diego Chargers before playing for the Bills, recalled a conversation that he had with several members of the defense as they were beating the Chargers in their second AFL championship game 23-0.
"[Tom] Sestak and [Ron] McDole, [Jim] Dunaway and [Tom] Day always sat on the bench together, and I went up to those guys, because I still lived in San Diego at the time, and I said, 'you know, we got to beat the s- out of these guys.' And in unison, all four of them said, 'they're not going to score,'" Maguire said. "We were that good. We were really that good. But we also had Jack Kemp as a quarterback, and that was pretty good too."
When asked what they think about the 2024 Buffalo Bills, the '64-'65 members had positive things to say about Bills QB Josh Allen and are looking forward to seeing what they can do throughout the season after their victory over the Cardinals.
"Well, they've got a lot of potential," Rutkowski said. "They've got a great quarterback. And when you have a great quarterback like Josh Allen, a lot of good things are going to happen… it looks like they've got a variety of wide receivers, so they can kind of spread the ball around, and you can do that when you've got a great quarterback like Josh Allen."
"I know they got a great team," Edgerson said. "But then there's competition out there with another 31 teams that's out there that's playing just as hard as the Bills is playing. I'm just hoping that we outlast the other teams and get to the playoffs and end up at Super Bowl, finally again… I'm just hoping to have a very good season and get to the playoffs."
