There’s one important new distinction inside the Buffalo Bills new stadium that’s drastically different from the old stadium that stood across the street for over 50 years.
Gone is the Wall of Fame. Only a select few Bills legends will be honored with name and number inside the new Highmark Stadium, along with team founder Ralph Wilson Jr.
Those players are Bruce Smith, Jim Kelly, and Thurman Thomas. Kelly is trying to change that by making one addition.
The numbers of Smith, Kelly, and Thomas are the only three retired numbers in Bills history.
At his annual golf tournament, Kelly made a statement about a change to the stadium regarding another one of his teammates (shout out to Zach Sheldon of Trainwreck Sports for getting this quote, which was relayed by WGR’s Brayton Wilson):
One interesting note from the Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic this morning at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia: Jim Kelly says from what he's heard, the #Bills are working to get Andre Reed's No. 83 retired and up at the new stadium with Nos. 12, 34 and 78.
— Brayton J. Wilson (@BraytonJWilson) August 17, 2026To quote Kelly: "It will… From what I've already heard, they're working on hopefully next year to get it up sooner rather than later."
It looks like the #Bills will soon honor their Hall of Fame wide receiver.
(Question courtesy of @ZachSheldon)
Currently, Wall of Fame members beyond Wilson, Smith, Kelly, and Thomas are positioned in the Family Circle, which surrounds the three Buffalo statues outside the stadium.
That’s where Reed will be honored during the 2026-2027 season.
Kelly’s push for Reed to be honored alongside him inside the stadium does have a strong basis, as Reed is the only other member of the 1990’s Bills in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, meaning he’s now the only HOFer featured in the new Family Circle.
What do you think?
Should Reed be included in the super-exclusive club honored inside the new Highmark Stadium and the No. 83 be retired by the team?
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