Tragedy Strikes the NFL: Legendary Georgia Tech and Buffalo Bills Star Passes Away at 85

Former Georgia Tech and Buffalo Bills star Billy Shaw has died at age 85 at his home in Georgia. Shaw was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Shaw chose to play for the Bills of the American Football League (AFL) after a successful collegiate career at Georgia Tech. Shaw was drafted in the 1959 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, however he decided to sign with the Bills instead.

Shaw played for the Bills from 1961-1969. Shaw was an eight-time AFL all-star and was also an AFL All-Star Game MVP. Shaw helped the Bills win back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965. Shaw was known for his outstanding skills as a guard on the Bills' offensive line.

After retiring from the game as a player in 1969, Shaw went on to serve as the athletic director at Upper Iowa University. Shaw also coached in the Canadian Football League. Shaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

During his career with the Bills, Shaw was known as one of the top blockers on the team's outstanding running attack, helping establish teammate Cookie Gilchrist as the American Football League's top rusher in 1962. His impressive play added strength to an already strong team that managed to win two American Football League championships.

Shaw's AFL career really took off in 1962 when the Bills swept all three of their opponents in the regular-season games that were played in front of home crowds at New York's War Memorial Stadium. He cemented his position as a key figure for the Bills that season.

Shaw started every game of the 1962 season at left guard, helping Buffalo dominate its opponents on the field. This domination was the epitome of Shaw's dedication to his team and was part of what endeared him to the hearts of many a fan during that era of professional football history.

Billy Shaw's post-football life included his induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. Shaw became the first of many prominent players who were eventually selected for this honor, an event which played itself out in the years after the AFL-NFL merger.

Shaw leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will be cherished by AFL and football fans alike. News of his passing has left fans in mourning, but they also recall his crucial role in shaping football as it's played today.