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Buffalo Bills: Top 5 Linebackers in Franchise History

By Paul Taylor

Buffalo Bills linebacker London Fletcher-Baker looks into the backfield prior to a play in a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on September 24, 2006. New York won the game 28-20. (Photo by Mark Konezny/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Buffalo Bills linebacker London Fletcher-Baker looks into the backfield prior to a play in a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on September 24, 2006. New York won the game 28-20. (Photo by Mark Konezny/NFLPhotoLibrary) /
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2) Mike Stratton

Selected: 13th round of AFL draft in 1962 (100th overall)

Played: 12 seasons, including 11 with the Bills

Career stats: 21 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries (all other statistics unavailable)

Career highlights: 6-time AFL All-Star, AFL All-Time 2nd Team, 2-time AFL Champion

Mike Stratton is unique to this list, in that he is the only one of the five to reach the pinnacle. In fact, some might argue his two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965 warrant him being number one, rather than settling for the second spot.

Regardless, there’s no denying what Statton achieved during his 12 years in professional football, all but one with the Buffalo Bills. Selected in the 13th round of the 1962 AFL draft, he would form what many call the best AFL linebacking crew of all time, along with Tracey and Jacobs.

Although not substantiated, the trio apparently played 62 consecutive games together, which is — unofficially at least — a professional football record. Regardless, what we do know is they helped the Bills set a record, by going 17 straight games without allowing a 100-yard rusher.

Stratton was selected to six consecutive AFL All-Star teams, between 1963 and 1968. He had a particular knack for picking off passes as evidenced by 21 career interceptions, including an impressive six during his rookie season in 1962.

The Vonore, Tennessee native would play one final year with the San Diego Chargers after leaving Buffalo, before calling it quits following the 1973 season. He was named to the AFL’s All-time second team and deservedly inducted onto the Bills’ Wall of Fame in 1994.

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