"Today the NFL lost a legend with the passing of Ralph Wilson Jr. As one of the founding fathers of the American Football League, Ralph had a tremendous influence on the AFL-NFL merger and the ensuing growth and success of our sport. He was a pioneer who proved the market size does not determine the success of an NFL franchise, and he became a great leader for the city of Buffalo. We have learned a lot as NFL owners by watching and listening to Ralph. Our deepest sympathies are with his wife, Mary, and their daughters."