The long wait is over for Buffalo Bills great Cookie Gilchrist.
On Wednesday, the Bills announced that Gilchrist — one of the most revered running backs in team history — will become the next member of the team’s Wall of Fame at New Era Field.
Gilchrist played with the Bills for three seasons — from 1962 through 1964 — and became the first 1,000 yard rusher in AFL history. Through three seasons in Buffalo, Gilchrist was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, and was named an All-Pro in both the 1962 and 1964 seasons.
In his three years in Buffalo, he totaled 3,056 yards, 31 touchdowns, and a rushing average of 4.5 yards per carry. Most importantly, it was his 122 yard effort that helped the Bills to a 20-7 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the AFL Championship Game.
Gilchrist passed away from cancer in 2011 at the age of 75. He will be inducted to the Wall of Fame during halftime of the Bills’ October 29 matchup against the Oakland Raiders.
