www.nikcosports.com or call 800-345-2868

Buffalo, NY – They are the only NFL team that can say it plays its home games in the state of New York, and the only franchise ever to win four consecutive AFC titles. And to think the Buffalo Bills took their name from William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody when they began play in the old American Football League in 1960.

Fourteen coaches have served the Bills since the beginning, including Lou Saban, who won the team’s AFL titles in 1964 and 1965, and Marv Levy, who has coached the most games in team history (182) and was the architect behind the four consecutive AFC titles from 1990-1993.

Some great players have worn the Bills uniforms over the years, including on the offensive side of the field standouts such as quarterback Jim Kelly, running back Thurman Thomas, wide receivers Andre Reed, Eric Moulds and James Lofton, tight end Pete Metzelaars, offensive linemen Joe DeLamielleure, Kent Hull, Billy Shaw, Ruben Brown and Jim Ritcher.

On the defensive side, headliners have included Bruce Smith, Fred Smerlas, Tom Sestak, Darryl Talley, Mike Stratton, Cornelius Bennett, Shane Conlan, Butch Byrd, Nate Odomes, George Saimes and Henry Jones. And who can forget specials teams players such as kicker Steve Christie, punter Brian Moorman and return artist Steve Tasker.

A lot of football history has taken place in the 50 years since the Bills became a reality, and to salute that period of time Nikco Sports announced it will be producing a limited edition, full-sized 50th Anniversary Season Buffalo Bills football, with an acrylic display case, to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo.

Only 2,009 footballs will be produced, priced at $99, and are available at 1-800-345-2868 or visiting www.nikcosports.com. Each football comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

During the past several years, Nikco Sports has raised more than $1.7 million for children’s charities.

“Over the years, the Buffalo Bills franchise has been a big part of the foundation of the NFL, and to think it all started under the ownership of Ralph Wilson, who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, along with Bruce Smith,” noted Nikco Sports CEO Craig Bidner. “We’re very proud to play a small part in honoring this historic franchise in such an important year, and just as pleased to work again with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo to help lots of youngsters in the local area.

“This is a special football that honors a special franchise, and Bills fans will be proud to display this at their home or in their office.”

The red and white paneled football will contain lots of interesting facts about the franchise. On the first white panel there will be a salute to Orchard Park and the first game played there on Aug. 17, 1973.

The original Buffalo Bills logo used in 1960 will be in the center of the panel, with the words 50th anniversary just below the logo. To the right of the logo will be a listing of franchise facts, including the two AFL titles won in 1964 and 1965, the four AFC crowns from 1990-1993 and the 10 Division titles in team history.

The second white panel features an official Bills helmet logo in the center, flanked on the left by a color photo of receiver Terrell Owens and to the right a color photo of quarterback Trent Edwards.

During the past several years, Nikco Sports has raised more than $1.7 million for charitable organizations across the nation with the issue of limited-edition sports memorabilia that has honored amateur and professional teams, as well as select athletes such athletes as Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Jerome Bettis, Ben Roethlisberger, along with Peyton Manning, Jim Kelly, Carson Palmer, Steve Young, John Elway, David Robinson, John Stockton, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Roger Clemens, Don Larsen, Ryne Sandberg, Paul Molitor, Kirby Puckett, Edgar Martinez, Ichiro, Ozzie Smith, Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn, Craig Biggio and Cal Ripken Jr.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo/Rochester & Syracuse:

For over 80 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo/Rochester & Syracuse has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances.

They have actively sought to enrich the lives of girls and boys whom other youth agencies failed to reach and are dedicated to ensuring that the community's disadvantaged youngsters have greater access to quality programs and services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures.

Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo/Rochester & Syracuse provide services to more than 9,000 youth between the ages of 6-18. The Mission is to provide appropriate and diversified programs and activities that serve to attract and hold area youth to the Clubhouse. The Boys & Girls Clubs provide environments that teach children the skills needed to build positive lives, attitudes and behaviors.

www.nikcosports.com or call 800-345-2868