Buffalo Bills Retiring Bruce Smith’s Jersey Number

For just the second time in team history the Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday they will retire the number 78 jersey number of Bruce Smith. The official ceremony will come during the Bills prime time home opener against the New York Jets on September 15th.  Bruce's number 78 will join Jim Kelly's number 12 as the only two uniform numbers permanently retired in team history.

In making the announcement, Bills general managing partner Russ Brandon called Smith one of the greatest players in Bills history.  He played 15 of his 19-year NFL career with the Bills and remains the NFL's all-time leader with 200 career sacks.

Smith also holds a number of Buffalo Bills team records including most career sacks with 171, sacks in a season with 19 and was named to a team record 11 Pro Bowls.

The Bills made Smith the number one overall draft pick in 1985.  No player has worn number 78 since he left the team in 1999.