Former Buffalo Bills defensive end, Bruce Smith arrived at Tops Supermarket on Transit and French Roads in Depew on Saturday to sign autographs for fans.
In town for his induction to the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame during halftime of Sunday's Bills game against the Oakland Raiders, Smith arrived a little after 11am to a line of waiting fans in the store and wrapped around the outside of the supermarket.
"I arrived at 7am," said Eric Speier of Amherst, season ticket holder for 43 years, and the first person in line. "There were about a dozen or so people within an hour."
Smith shook hands, smiled for photos, and signed Bills memorabilia that ranged from football helmets and photos to sneakers and stadium seats from when the stadium was reconfigured. Fans of all ages came from near and far to meet the Bills 11 time pro-bowler and the all-time sack leader in the NFL.
"We drove three hours to see him," said Gerry Meeker of Oneida who arrived just before 9am with her husband. "He (Bruce Smith) is my favorite."
Smith played for the Bills for 15 of his 19 seasons in the NFL and was a member of the team that led the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 90's. "I am so excited to be back in Buffalo," Smith said. "It brings back a lot of memories."
Many other teammates have already seen their name and number on the Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium, but Sunday was his day, and his former teammates let him know it. "A lot of them have been ragging me and texting me," Smith said.
Looking to the Bills Super Bowl team for tips, the 2008-2009 team is currently 3-0 and looking for their first playoff spot in nine years.
"Our team had so much talent. We were a very unique team so I try not to compare," Smith said in an interview regarding comparisons of the current undefeated team to the Super Bowl team. "This team is very exciting and entertaining. They're learning how to win."
While many fans admit it is early in the season, they still remain optimistic. "I think they'll make the playoffs," said Speier.
As Bills fans relish in the success of their current team, Smith is enjoying life on the Wall of Fame, conveniently located next to the 12 th Man, that stands for the fans that never gave up on a team that had so much potential.