Former Buffalo Bills player drops by HOF

Ed Rutkowski, who played six seasons in the American Football League with the Buffalo Bills, visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Friday afternoon.

His tour of the museum also included a behind-the-scenes look at the archives. Rutkowski enjoyed seeing the collection of photos from his playing days as well as a file that contained numerous articles from his career in football. He also spent time enjoying the new AFL exhibit that will be open at the Hall of Fame through February 2010.

Originally signed by Buffalo as a free agent in 1963 out of Notre Dame, Rutkowski served as a multi-dimensional player for Buffalo. He contributed as a receiver, running back, safety and also returned kickoffs and punt returns. In 1968, Rutkowski was inserted as the Bills quarterback in an emergency situation even though he hadn’t played the position in eight years.

In all, he rushed for 250 yards, had 63 catches for 981 yards; returned 53 kickoffs for 1,270 yards; and returned 68 punts for an additional 514 yards. His 73-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966 was a team record at the time.

Following his playing career, Rutkowski embarked on a long career in politics in Western New York. He also, for a time, served as a radio analyst for Bills broadcasts.

More from Profootballhof.com:
 Buffalo Bills team history
 AFL, 1960-69
 Exhibit celebrates 50th anniversary season of AFL
 Photo Gallery: Ed Rutkowski