Buffalo, NY — October 24, 2025
The Buffalo Bills have pledged to cover all medical expenses for one of the franchise’s most iconic offensive linemen, reaffirming their lifelong commitment to the men who helped shape the team’s proudest era.
Team owner Terry Pegula announced the decision in a heartfelt statement, paying tribute to a player whose grit, durability, and leadership defined the Bills of the 1970s.
“He built the foundation that others stood on,”
Pegula said. “He fought for this team every Sunday, and now it’s our turn to fight for him. Once you’ve worn the red, white, and blue, you’re part of our family forever.”
That promise was made to Joe DeLamielleure, the Hall of Fame guard who anchored the “Electric Company” — the legendary offensive line that powered O.J. Simpson’s 2,003-yard rushing season in 1973
. Known for his relentless motor, flawless technique, and unmatched toughness, DeLamielleure was the driving force behind one of the most feared ground attacks in NFL history.
During his time in Buffalo (
1973–1979, 1985), DeLamielleure earned six Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro five times. His dominance at right guard helped protect quarterback Joe Ferguson and open holes that turned Simpson’s running game into a national phenomenon.
As a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, DeLamielleure’s consistency and leadership became the standard for what it meant to play offensive line in Buffalo — tough, disciplined, and selfless. His teammates described him as “the man who never took a snap off,” a warrior who thrived in the cold, physical battles that defined old-school football.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003, DeLamielleure remains one of the most respected figures in franchise history. His name stands alongside Buffalo legends as a symbol of the team’s golden era — a time when hard work and heart carried the Bills through every challenge.
As word of his illness spread, former teammates, fans, and coaches flooded social media with messages of gratitude and love. For the people of Buffalo, Joe DeLamielleure isn’t just a Hall of Famer — he’s a reminder of what Bills football truly stands for: loyalty, toughness, and family.
