Buffalo Bills Exclude O.J. Simpson From New Stadium Legends Display

The Buffalo Bills announced they will not honor former running back O.J. Simpson among the franchise's legends at their new stadium. ESPN reported the decision on June 27, 2026. " The team will honor legends in the family circle area outside the new Highmark Stadium.

The area will display history about the team and Western New York and will feature the team's three bison statues. The Bills are encouraging year-round gathering there. Others who were on the team's Wall of Fame will be honored in the family circle area, with Simpson likely the only one excluded.

As recently as this spring the team had been debating whether to include Simpson, and the design team was preparing for both possibilities. Simpson's name was displayed in the team's old stadium as part of the Wall of Fame created in 1980. He was the first member inducted.

The Buffalo Bills drafted Simpson with the No. 1 pick in the 1969 NFL draft, and he spent nine seasons from 1969 to 1977 with the organization. He became the first running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, gaining 2,003 yards in 1973, and made five first-team All-Pro squads.