Former Buffalo Bills QB Jack Kemp Dies

I was quite saddened to hear that former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp died yesterday. His office announced in January that he had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer. The cancer was in an advanced stage at that time and had spread to several organs. Mr. Kemp passed away at his home in Bethesda, MD, in the Washington, DC suburbs.

Jack Kemp, Buffalo Bills / Photo: Newscom

Mr. Kemp led the Bills to their only titles in 1963 and 1964, back when the team was part of the old American Football League. And with the 50th anniversary of the AFL upon us, I think it’s important to note that Mr. Kemp also co-founded the AFL Players Association in 1964 and was elected president of the union for five terms.

After his football career, Mr. Kemp represented western New York for nine terms in Congress, leaving the House for an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1988. According to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jack Kemp was “a distinguished public servant and powerful voice in American politics for more than four decades.” The Bills also made the following statement about Mr. Kemp:

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Kemp. Jack remains a legendary figure in our team’s history, having led our 1964 and ’65 teams to the American Football League Championship titles. His many outstanding unique qualities made him the exemplary role model of leadership for our team and later for our country. While today’s news brings us much sadness, we cherish the many fond memories of Jack the loving husband and father, Jack the quarterback and Jack the congressman and we celebrate his life well lived. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Joanne and their entire family.”

Source: BuffaloBills.com