Buffalo Bills Unsung Hero and Leader Kent Hull Passes Away

The Buffalo Bills family has lost a key cog as Kent Hull, the center who helped Jim Kelly skyrocket to stardom, passed away at the age of 50. Hull never got the credit he deserved on a national stage because the Bills teams of that era had so many spotlight-grabbing stars.

Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News passed along the saddening story and some quotes from wide receiver Andre Reed.

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"He was bigger than life, and I don't think he really got his just due, even though he went to some Pro Bowls," said Bills great receiver Andre Reed. "He was one of the best."

"Kent was a soft-spoken guy, and he was one of the smartest guys I ever met, too," Reed said. "I'm sad for his family, and all the people who knew him. He's going to be missed as a friend."

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The Mississippi State product was named to the Pro Bowl three times and was a part of all four Super Bowl trips Buffalo made in the early 90s. While they were unsuccessful in all four attempts, that doesn't diminish the amazing feat that no team may ever match in today's parity-driven NFL.

The Bills were Hull's only NFL team after spending three seasons with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. It's fair to say Buffalo's high-flying offense wouldn't have been nearly as productive without Hull directing the offensive line.

He was a quiet leader. Somebody who was fine with allowing Kelly, Reed, Thurman Thomas and Bruce Smith to hog the headlines. And without players like that on the roster, there's no chance the Bills become an AFC powerhouse.

Hull was never elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite high praise from teammates and coaches. He was, however, given a spot on the Bills Wall of Fame inside Ralph Wilson Stadium and ended his induction speech by giving Jim Kelly one final snap.

Despite the Hall of Fame snub, there's little doubt that Hull was one of the 90's best centers. A dominant force in the middle of a line that was called on to be in great shape to keep up with the no-huddle offense. He also had to be smart enough to get protection packages set up in the blink of an eye.

The easiest comparison to make in today's NFL would be Jeff Saturday. Peyton Manning's dependable center is often overlooked in conversations about that offense's dominance over the past decade.

Hull will be remembered and missed by Buffalo's diehard fans, who are enjoying their team's resurgence. Hull was certainly relishing it as well.