Buffalo Bills ended longest losing streak in NFL history vs. Miami
On September 7, 1980 we finally beat the Miami Dolphins and snapped the longest losing streak (team vs team) in NFL history.
Fans stormed the field and tore down the goalposts, not to celebrate a championship, but a 1-0 record. Ralph Wilson was overjoyed in the aftermath as well. "It’s the biggest win this club’s ever had," he commented. "Bigger than the AFL championships. I’ll be happy to buy new goal posts."
Rookie running back Joe Cribbs rushed for 60 yards and the winning touchdown, and also had 9 catches for 71 yards. Fullback Roosevelt Leaks had the Bills’ other trip to paydirt, a four-yard TD reception from QB Joe Ferguson, who had lost to the Dolphins 14 straight times to start his career.
I had 4 takeaways in the game (three interceptions and a fumble recovery) to set a record that still stands to this day. In his book "Buffalo Bills: The Complete Illustrated History" Sal Maiorana, quoted me saying "It was so nice to see us finally beat them. Not so much for me, but for the older veteran guys that had played for ten years and had lost every single game."
Check out the YouTube video of a young Bryant Gumble as he shows highlights of the game:
The Bills suffered a similar losing streak against the New England Patriots in the 2000s, losing 20-of-21 games dating from Week 16 of the 2000 season to Week 16 of the 2010 season. (Only the 2003 home opener stopped the streak from breaking Miami's 20-game record.)
I hope the Bills can extend their 4 game winning streak with a win over Miami this Sunday and then keep it rolling with a win over New England the following Sunday.
Go Bills!
