Bills To Retire Hall Of Fame DE Bruce Smith’s No. 78 Jersey

The Buffalo Bills are set to retire Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith’s No. 78 jersey during halftime of their home opener on Sept. 15 against the New York Jets.

Bills To Retire Hall Of Fame DE Bruce Smith’s No. 78 Jersey

Smith will join quarterback Jim Kelly, whose No. 12 was retired in 2001, as the only Bills players whose jersey numbers have been officially retired by the team.

“I was a little numb. I was in somewhat of I would say, disbelief,” Smith said during a conference call. “This will be a celebration for the fans, the Buffalo Bills organization and the NFL.”

Smith was particularly emotional in stating how he was informed of the honor the day after Mother’s Day, noting that this would have meant a great deal to his mother, Annie Lee, who died two years ago.

“Every Mother’s Day it kind of gets to me,” he said. “I know she’s watching from afar, and she’s one of those angels that continues to pray for me. So I’m very blessed.”

The Bills have not assigned No. 78 to any player since Smith’s final season in 1999.

“On behalf of Terry and Kim Pegula and the entire Bills organization, we feel this is a tremendous opportunity to honor Bruce and his Hall of Fame career,” Bills president Russ Brandon said in a statement. “We believe it’s going to be a great night for Bruce, his family and Bills fans everywhere.”

Smith, 52, played 15 seasons (1985-1999) with the Bills and then four seasons (2000-03) with the Washington Redskins. He recorded 200 sacks throughout his career, the most in NFL history.

Smith was drafted as the first overall pick by the Bills in 1985 out of Virginia Tech. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler and two-time Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1996). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2009. He was also named First Team All-Pro eight times.

“Russ Brandon and I had a number of conversations and I think a month ago he informed me this was going to happen,” said Smith. “Thank you to the Pegulas because they have reached back into the rich history of the Buffalo Bills and they’re making a concerted effort when it comes to recognizing that rich history. It’s why they were an excellent fit to become the next owners of the Buffalo Bills.”

“I want people to remember the effort and dedication and commitment that I put into playing this game,” said Smith. “Trying to make the fans feel proud and give them a source of entertainment for three hours every week. Just that will to continue to get better and be a champion and be the best and bring that energy that was a missing piece to a great and historical sports town.”

PHOTO: NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 01: Former Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith attends the 3rd Annual NFL Honors at Radio City Music Hall on February 1, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)