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Buffalo Bills: Top 5 Safeties in Franchise History

By Paul Taylor

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the Saints 22-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the Saints 22-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Jan 27, 1991; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Buffalo Bills cornerback Clifford Hicks (27) and linebacker Darryl Talley (56) attempt to tackle New York Giants running back David Meggett (30) during Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium. The Giants defeated the Bills 19-20. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports /

5) Mark Kelso

Anytime you mention Mark Kelso to an NFL fan, two things come to mind – his padded helmet and build. However, the former extended his career, while the latter didn’t stop him from being a pretty damn good player.

While Kelso was never voted to the Pro Bowl, this didn’t matter to the Bills. He was a member of all four Super Bowl teams and his 30 interceptions are second all-time in franchise history among safeties (and third overall).

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native’s best season was arguably in 1988, when he helped the Bills end a six-year playoff drought, with seven interceptions. (He would snag another two in the playoffs.) It represented part of a three-year stretch between 1987-89, when he was particularly prolific at picking off passes.

Kelso started wearing a “pro cap” in 1990, after suffering four concussions in the two previous seasons. While its appearance stopped it from catching on around the league, he played four more seasons (suffering just one more concussion) and quite rightly ranks among the best Bills safeties of all time.

Next: Arguably underrated in Buffalo

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