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The Buffalo Bills team owner Ralph Wilson died today at the age of 95, according to team president and CEO Russ Brandon.

"I speak for everyone within the Bills organization when I say that we are all suffering a deep and profound sadness," Brandon said. "We have lost our founder, our mentor, our friend, and this is a very difficult time for us all."

Wilson, who founded the Bills in 1959 as an AFL team was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Bills won the AFL twice in the 1960s and the team appeared in four straight Super Bowl in the early 1990s.

State Sen. George Mazairz posted to his Facebook page that Wilson was "a true legend who will forever be remembered in WNY."

The Niagara County Legislature also posted to its Facebook page: "The Niagara County Legislature sadly notes the passing of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson. ‪#‎Billieve‬"

Congressman Chris Collins said Wilson was "a true gentleman and friend. While not a local resident, Ralph Wilson keenly understood what it meant to be a Western New Yorker and how much the team he built means to our community. It was my great honor as a Member of Congress and as the former Erie County Executive to work with him, and I am deeply saddened by his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Buffalo Bills organization during this time."

Wilson had been pressured to sell the team prior to his death, but refused. There has been concern by fans that Wilson's death would mean the end of the team in Buffalo.

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