NFL Team Guide
Buffalo Bills: History, Super Bowls & Facts
The Buffalo Bills began play in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League and won AFL championships in 1964 and 1965. They reached four straight Super Bowls after the 1990 through 1993 seasons.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1960, a charter member of the American Football League |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York (opened 2026) |
| Former stadiums | War Memorial Stadium (1960–1972); the previous stadium in Orchard Park (1973–2025), which opened as Rich Stadium |
| AFL championships | 2 (1964, 1965) |
| Super Bowl appearances | 4 (XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII), through the 2025 season |
Super Bowl history
Buffalo's league titles are the 1964 and 1965 AFL championships. Through the 2025 season the Bills have played in four Super Bowls, all in a row, and lost each one.
- 1964 AFL Championship: beat the San Diego Chargers 20–7
- 1965 AFL Championship: beat the San Diego Chargers 23–0
- Super Bowl XXV (1990 season): lost to the New York Giants 20–19
- Super Bowl XXVI (1991 season): lost to Washington 37–24
- Super Bowl XXVII (1992 season): lost to the Dallas Cowboys 52–17
- Super Bowl XXVIII (1993 season): lost to the Dallas Cowboys 30–13
Franchise history
- 1960: Began play in the AFL under founder Ralph Wilson Jr.
- 1973: Moved from War Memorial Stadium to Rich Stadium in Orchard Park.
- 1986: Quarterback Jim Kelly joined the team and Marv Levy became head coach.
- 1993: Came back from a 35–3 deficit to beat the Houston Oilers 41–38 in overtime in a January playoff game.
- 1994: Played in a fourth straight Super Bowl, an NFL record.
- 2026: Opened the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Franchise record holders
| Rushing yards | Thurman Thomas, 11,938 |
|---|---|
| Receiving yards | Andre Reed, 13,095 |
| Receptions | Andre Reed, 941 |
Retired numbers
- 12Jim Kelly
- 34Thurman Thomas
- 78Bruce Smith
Hall of Famers
Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, O.J. Simpson, Billy Shaw, Joe DeLamielleure, Marv Levy, Ralph Wilson Jr..
Biggest rivalries
- Miami Dolphins: division rivals since Miami joined the AFL in 1966.
- New England Patriots: AFL and AFC East rivals since 1960.
- Kansas City Chiefs: seven playoff meetings through the 2025 season, including the 1966 AFL Championship and the 1993, 2020 and 2024 AFC Championship Games.
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Have the Bills ever won a Super Bowl?
No. Through the 2025 season they have played in four Super Bowls, after the 1990 through 1993 seasons, and lost all four.
Have the Bills won a league championship?
Yes. They won the AFL championship in 1964 and 1965, before the Super Bowl era.
What was "The Comeback"?
A playoff game in January 1993 in which Buffalo trailed the Houston Oilers 35–3 and won 41–38 in overtime.
When did the new Highmark Stadium open?
In 2026, in Orchard Park, New York. It replaced the stadium the Bills had used since 1973.
Which numbers have the Bills retired?
Three: No. 12 (Jim Kelly), No. 34 (Thurman Thomas) and No. 78 (Bruce Smith).
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.