The House That Marv Levy Built: 2009 Buffalo Bills Coaches Progress Report
Marv Levy in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
From a press release from he CFLPA - March 20, 2012
Former CFL and NFL coach Marv Levy has been named to the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame.
Levy will join fellow inductees, including former CFL legend Angelo Mosca and NFL stars Barry Sanders, Billy Sims and Dan Dierdorf and be honoured at the Hall of Fame Dinner on May 18, 2012 at Novi, Michigan.
“The Hall was started about six years ago by a bunch of former players including Gale Sayers, Mike Ditka and others,” says Mark Lewis, Director, Detroit Chapter of the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame. All profits from the event go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to support former players who have fallen upon hard times. The Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.
“I am very complemented that this has occurred,” says Levy. “I stay in close contact with Mike Ditka and others involved in the Gridiron Greats. It is a very worthwhile cause that can sometimes be overlooked. I am very proud to be part of it.”
“We are very proud that another member of the CFL fraternity will be joining these greats,” says Leo Ezerins, Executive Director of the CFL Alumni Association. “Marv Levy made a tremendous contribution to both the Canadian Football League and the NFL and is a well-deserved selection for this honour.”
Levy coached the Montreal Alouettes from 1973-77 and led the Als to the playoffs in each of his five seasons as Head Coach. The team made three Grey Cup appearances under Levy, winning in 1974 and ’77. He was named CFL Coach of the Year in 1974. Levy coached the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978-82 and the Buffalo Bills from 1986-97. During his time in Buffalo the Bills appeared in an unprecedented four straight Super Bowls (1990-93). Levy was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
“I coached for 47 years and only five were in Montreal but they are a very memorable part for me,” says Levy. “Everything was so uplifting – the ambience of the City of Montreal. I loved it. We had great owners and great players like Peter Dalla Riva, Sonny Wade and Wally Buono and so many others. I left Montreal not feeling five years older but five years younger.”
