Shame on Bills for allowing number 83 to remain in use

By Charles H. Roberts III

It’s been 10 years since the Ralph Wilson Stadium PA announcer belted out, “From Kutztown State, nuuuuumber 83, Andreeeeee Reeeed,” followed by an overwhelming roar from the crowd.

Reed, arguably the best Buffalo Bill of all-time and unquestionably the best Bills receiver of all-time had a career that fizzled toward the end, but sparkled with triumph at its peak.

The fearless ball of fury, whose chiseled frame took a beating during his 14 years in Buffalo ranks amongst some of the NFL’s all-time greats. His receptions (951) currently rank sixth, career receiving yards (13,198) 10th, receiving touchdowns (87) 11th and career playoff games started (21) rank eighth. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler.

Say what you want about the rest of the big names from that early-nineties Bills team. They are all worthy of the respect that comes with not necessarily “retiring” their jersey number, but simply not putting it into play. Had Todd Collins wanted to snatch Jim Kelly’s number 12 when Jimbo finally hung up the cleats, the universal response would have been like a late-eighties Mike Tyson blow to the jaw. The same can be said about Thurman Thomas’s number 34, or Bruce Smith’s number 78.

Their jersey numbers were simply untouchable – and for obvious reason.

Kelly’s career statistics, although very impressive, do not include a single all-time figure inside of 15. Thomas made the cut, as his career rushing-attempts (2,877) rank 12th, rushing yards (12,074) rank 13th and yards from scrimmage (16,532) eighth. Smith is obviously is in a league of his own. Kelly and Thomas were both five-time Pro Bowlers. Smith made the trip to Honolulu 11 times.

Kelly and Thomas are both in the Hall of Fame, while Smith’s induction is forthcoming. Reed, like many of the game’s great retired receivers continues to be snubbed in that department. That’s a whole separate conversation.

As for why his number remains in play in Buffalo – that’s just flat-out disgraceful. It’s a small act for a guy who played his heart out and will likely be over-looked by Hall of Fame voters for at least a few more years. His departure from Buffalo may not have been rainbows and butterflies, but let’s not forget that Thomas went on to play for the then arch-rival Miami Dolphins and Smith for the Washington Redskins.

Three years ago, the Bills did the right thing and put Reed's name and number on their Wall of Fame. Although the damage is essentially already done, it’s time to politely ask Lee Evans to show some respect for one of the game’s all-time greats.