Ralph Wilson

Ralph Wilson often said he never thought he'd live to see the day he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, but at 90 years of age, his time has finally arrived Many people familiar with the history of the NFL, and its merger with the AFL that turned it into the premier pro sports league in the world, think Wilson's induction is long overdue.

Most recently, Wilson was singled out for protesting the NFL's most recent labor agreement because it threatened the revenue sharing provisions so vital for small market franchises like Buffalo. Only a couple years later, owners were in unanimous agreement that Wilson was right to have his original misgivings, and changes have been made and will be made in the future based on Wilson's courage to speak out.

Ralph C. Wilson has long been one of the most influential NFL owners, and the man perhaps most responsible for standing up for the smaller markets, convincing the larger market owners that a well-balanced NFL is the key to the league's overall success. His foresight has more than paid off, and at long last, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. has been recognized for a long and distinguished role as an NFL contributor; a role he will continue.