Billy Shaw, Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman and Buffalo Bills legend, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. According to his family, the cause was hyponatremia, a condition characterized by abnormally low sodium levels in the blood. Shaw was surrounded by his wife and three daughters at the time of his passing, as confirmed by the Bills organization per The NY Post.

Several fans, and professional alliances have posted tributes to the legendary player on X.

Born on December 15, 1938, in Natchez, Mississippi, Shaw grew up with a passion for sports and eventually became one of the most revered players in professional football. After a standout college career at Georgia Tech, where he played both offense and defense, Shaw was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 1961 AFL Draft. He quickly made his mark as one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his era, earning an impressive eight AFL All-Star selections during his career in the 1960s.

Pro Football Hall Of Fame, YouTube

Shaw played his entire career with the Bills from 1961 to 1969. Although he stood out as a guard, he also had the ability to play at multiple positions across the offensive line, making him a valuable asset for Buffalo during a highly competitive era of the AFL. Shaw helped anchor an offensive line that contributed to the Bills’ back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965.

In 1999, Shaw received the ultimate recognition for his contributions to the game when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Notably, he remains the only player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame who exclusively played in the American Football League (AFL). His legacy as a pioneering figure in the sport lives on as one of the most beloved players in Bills history.

Rest In Peace.

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