The broadcaster known across the region as the voice of the Buffalo Bills has died. Van Miller was the play-by-play man at Bills games for 37 seasons.

Miller grew up in Western New York and became a legend not only here, but around the country. Many of his famous calls are remembered fondly by Bills fans, from the highest of highs — the 1993 comeback game, to the lowest of lows — the Music City Miracle game during the playoffs in January 2000.

Miller was there, making Bills fans feel like they were there.

Born on November 22, 1927, Miller began his 55-year broadcasting career at WFCB in his hometown of Dunkirk. He started working in Buffalo in 1955 and five years later, became the Bills radio play-by-play announcer for their first season in 1960.

Miller was on the call for the club's AFL championships in 1964 and 65. He continued in the Bills broadcast booth until 1970, and then returned again from 1978 through 2003. 

When the Bills were at their best Miller was too. On the unprecedented run to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s, Miller brought Bills fans along for the ride.

Among his many honors, Miller earned the Pete Rozelle Radio and Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, a year after his retirement. His name was placed on the Bills Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2014.

"In play-by-play radio, you've gotta paint a word picture and you build to a crescendo as you're marching down the field, trying to get into that end zone to win a football game. That's when I really really get into it. That's when I say 'fasten your seatbelts,'" said Miller in a previous interview with Time Warner Cable News.

While he was best known for his work with the Bills, Miller also did play-by-play for the Buffalo Braves, the Buffalo Bisons, UB and Niagara University. He was an anchor and sports director at WIVB-TV for 43 years.

"I've had a love affair with the Buffalo Bills, and it will never stop," said Miller in a previous interview with Time Warner Cable News.

Miller, the iconic man on the microphone, was 87 years old. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Gloria, two children and three grandchildren. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT FROM BILLS PRESIDENT RUSS BRANDON

"On behalf of Terry and Kim Pegula and everyone at One Bills Drive, we are all deeply saddened with the news of the passing of Van Miller. As the ‘Voice of the Bills,’ Van's historic radio calls of Bills games over the years will forever resonate with our fans. His Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame talent was overshadowed only by his engaging personality, his witty sense of humor and his love for the Bills. We will all dearly miss ‘Uncle Van,’ but his legacy will remain deeply embedded in our franchise's history and in the hearts of his countless fans in Western New York and throughout the NFL community. Our deepest sympathies, along with our thoughts and prayers, go out to his wife Gloria and all of Van's family during this difficult time."

NOTE: A private service for the family is being planned at the current time.