Why Reggie McKenzie Deserves to Be on the Bills Wall of Fame
The Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame was created in 1980 to celebrate former players, coaches, and administrators who played essential roles in the team’s history. 31 inductees have been enshrined in the Wall of Fame since its inception. However, no one has been inducted since 1962 AFL MVP Cookie Gilchrist received the honor in 2017. With a new stadium being prepped for the 2026 season, why not add more Bills legends' names to the Wall of Fame? This edition will show why Reggie McKenzie deserves to be on the Wall of Fame.
The mid-1970s were a great time for the Bills' offense. O.J. Simpson ran wild on NFL defenses and even ran for 2,003 yards in a 14-game season. Helping him along the way was his elite offensive line, coined the “Electric Company.” The most notable member of the Electric Company is Joe DeLamiellure, a 2003 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and 1997 Wall of Fame inductee. DeLamiellure started over 100 games for the Bills since being drafted 26th overall back in 1973. However, the long-overdue addition to the Wall of Fame is McKenzie. The Detroit, Michigan native ended up playing more games for Buffalo than DeLamiellure: 147 games to 112 in favor of McKenzie.
The Bills drafted the guard out of Michigan with the 27th pick in 1972. Quickly making an impact in the offense, McKenzie earned three All-Pro selections in his first four seasons in the league. Not only was he the longest tenured member of the Electric Company, but he is perhaps the most underappreciated. Despite earning those All-Pros, McKenzie was never selected for a Pro Bowl. This is especially egregious given the fact that in 1980, the first season that DeLamiellure wasn’t on the Bills, McKenzie started every game at guard, whereas DeLamiellure missed three starts and still earned a Second-Team All-Pro, whereas McKenzie received no honors. In 2016, McKenzie was selected for the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. Knowing that, the Bills should show their appreciation for another member of the Electric Company by enshrining them in the Wall of Fame.
