Billy Shaw, a legendary guard from the AFL and a key player in the Buffalo Bills’ dominant rushing attack during the 1960s, passed away on Friday at the age of 85.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that Shaw died at his home in Toccoa, Georgia, surrounded by his wife, Patsy, and their three daughters. His family reported that the cause of death was hyponatremia, a condition characterized by an abnormally low sodium level in the blood.
A second-round draft pick from Georgia Tech, where he earned All-American honors as a two-way player, Shaw became a standout in the AFL. During his nine-season career, he was selected to eight AFL All-Star games, made the All-AFL team five times, and helped the Bills win two AFL championships. Shaw was later named to the AFL All-Time Team and the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s.
“Billy Shaw is uniquely recognized as the only Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee to have played his entire career in the AFL,” said Hall of Fame President Jim Porter. “But his selection to the Class of 1999 wasn’t just about that distinction. Billy’s exceptional athleticism revolutionized the guard position, making the 1960s Buffalo Bills a formidable team with their punishing rushing attack. Off the field, he embodied the grace and kindness of a true Southern gentleman.”
Drafted in 1961 by both the Buffalo Bills and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Shaw chose to join the AFL, believing his size (6-foot-2, 258 pounds) and speed were better suited for the guard position rather than linebacker. The AFL, which later merged with the NFL in 1970, provided the perfect stage for Shaw to shine.
While the AFL was known for its passing game, the Bills emphasized a powerful ground attack complemented by a strong defense. Shaw’s ability as a pulling guard made him a crucial part of the team’s offense. He frequently led blocks downfield, especially in short-yardage situations, paving the way for running backs like Cookie Gilchrist and Wray Carlton, as well as quarterbacks Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica, who often followed Shaw’s blocking into the end zone.
Former Buffalo offensive line coach Jerry Smith described Shaw as “the driving force of the offensive unit” that propelled the Bills to consecutive championships in 1964 and 1965.